The arrival of Brent Bozel as the new United States ambassador to South Africa is expected to introduce fresh ideological friction between Washington and the ANC, according to Centre for Risk Analysis research associate Ofentse Donald Davhie.
He argues that while political differences are inevitable, the appointment does not signal an outright breakdown in relations, as Bozel is likely to balance principle with practicality in his engagement with Pretoria.
Davhie believes the ambassador will pursue a pragmatic path that seeks workable compromises, even as he advances a clear set of American priorities. These include pressure on South Africa to withdraw its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, calls for US companies to be exempt from Black Economic Empowerment requirements, stronger assurances around property rights, and a push for Pretoria to loosen its ties with BRICS partners, particularly China, as per Business Tech .
