Conservative media critic and founder of the Media Research Center, Leo Brent Bozell III, has been officially sworn in as the United States Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, marking a new chapter in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The swearing-in ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., administered by Republican Senator Ted Cruz. The U.S. Embassy in South Africa announced the news on X (formerly Twitter), sharing an image of the event and expressing enthusiasm for Bozell’s upcoming leadership.
In its statement, the Embassy said: “The U.S. Embassy looks forward to working under his leadership to advance American priorities and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America through continued engagement with South Africa.”
Bozell is expected to arrive in South Africa later this month. He will formally assume his duties only after presenting his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa, though the exact timeline for this protocol remains unclear.
The appointment comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Pretoria. Bozell, nominated by President Donald Trump in March 2025, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December 2025 as part of a bloc vote on 97 nominees. The confirmation passed along party lines, with a 53-43 vote and all Democrats opposing.
During his October 2025 confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bozell pledged to address what he described as South Africa’s “geostrategic drift from non-alignment” toward U.S. adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran. He also indicated he would press Pretoria on its ongoing case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
L. Brent Bozell III – Young America’s Foundation
Bozell, a prominent conservative activist known for his criticism of perceived liberal media bias, steps into the role amid ongoing diplomatic frictions, including disputes over foreign policy alignments and international legal actions.
The U.S. has not had a full ambassador in South Africa since the resignation of Reuben Brigety in January 2025, with relations further strained by issues such as the expulsion of South Africa’s previous ambassador to the U.S. and differing views on global conflicts.
South African media outlets, including SABC News and IOL, reported on the development today, highlighting Bozell’s expected focus on realigning bilateral priorities.