An embassy official told Reuters on Monday that Bozell had arrived. He is expected to present his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa before officially taking up his post.
Relations between Washington and Pretoria have deteriorated in the last year as Trump has accused SA of persecuting its white minority, criticised its ties with Russia and China, imposed steep tariffs on its exports and cut all aid.
SAa has not had an Ambassador in Washington since the Trump administration expelled its last one, Ebrahim Rasool.
Bozell said in his Senate confirmation hearing in October that he would approach his Ambassadorship “with respect for the SA people”, and that he saw “real opportunity for a lasting partnership” despite areas of disagreement.
Bozell said his priorities would include pressing SA to end its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, advancing Trump’s refugee programme for white South Africans, and promoting business interests.
The first objective could heighten tensions with SA’s government, which regards support for Palestinian rights as a core element of its foreign policy.
–Reuters–
