Dangor defends second demarche against US ambassador Bozell
International Relations Director General Zane Dangor told Parliament the second demarche was not frivolous. He said it aimed to prevent a diplomatic incident if Minister Ronald Lamola were barred from entering the United States.
Dangor said demarches do not always amount to rebukes. He said they are official engagements through which governments convey diplomatic information. Bozell has faced three demarches in nine months since he arrived in Pretoria.
Dangor told MPs: "What we wanted to avoid was a diplomatic incident where a foreign minister of South Africa arrives at a US airport, and he's then barred from entry." He said citizens will only know if they are banned when they apply for a visa or arrive.
The EFF's Nqobile Mhlongo called for Bozell to be expelled and declared persona non grata. ANC MPs called for stricter legal provisions against South Africans who spread misinformation about the country abroad.
Key facts
- Who
- Zane Dangor (International Relations Director General); Leo Bozell (US Ambassador to South Africa); Ronald Lamola (Minister); Supra Mahumapelo (Parliament's portfolio committee Chairperson)
- What
- Director General Zane Dangor told Parliament that the second demarche against US Ambassador Leo Bozell was not frivolous and was warranted to prevent a diplomatic incident if Minister Ronald Lamola was barred from entering the US. Bozell has faced three demarches in nine months since arriving in Pretoria. The EFF called for Bozell's expulsion and declared him persona non grata, while ANC MPs…
- When
- 8 October 2026
- Where
- South Africa, Pretoria, United States
- Status
- Reported