PRESS RELEASE: RP Welcomes U.S. Ambassador-Designate’s Remarks On South Africa’s Decline

PRESS RELEASE: RP Welcomes U.S. Ambassador-Designate’s Remarks on South Africa’s Decline

‍The Referendum Party (RP) has welcomed remarks made by U.S. Ambassador-designate Leo Brent Bozell III during his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noting his clear and candid assessment of South Africa’s deteriorating situation under ANC rule.

International commentary has increasingly struggled to ignore South Africa’s instability following renewed scrutiny from the Trump administration. The Ambassador-designate’s statement highlights long-standing concerns that many in the media and diplomatic community have avoided - including the government’s race-based discriminatory policies, disregard for property rights, and growing alignment with China and Russia at the expense of Western partnerships.

RP leader Phil Craig said, “It is encouraging to see senior U.S. representatives acknowledge what many South Africans already know - that the South African government has become increasingly corrupt, divisive, and authoritarian, and that its policies are driving the country toward economic collapse and social fragmentation. Democratic states like the U.S. can no longer pretend that South Africa remains a reliable partner.”

While it may be true that, due to the actions of the South African government, common ground with the United States has become increasingly difficult to find, RP remains committed to restoring economic security, non-racialism, and the right of the Western Cape to self-determination under both Section 235 of the Constitution and international law.

RP reaffirmed its position that South Africa’s future stability - and its international partnerships - depend on rejecting race-based governance, protecting property rights, and recognising the aspirations of communities within South Africa for self-determination.