African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says the party will keep a close eye on the United States ambassador, Leo Bozell III, who was recently demarched for remarks which Bozell has since apologised for.
The remarks were criticised as a breach of diplomatic protocol. Mbalula addressed the ANC’s march in Johannesburg to defend the country’s sovereignty and democratic gains since 1994.
The party was joined by its allies and other formations as part of their Human Rights Day Commemoration.
Mbalula says South Africa will continue with its key policies to drive transformation.
“He must be subjected to diplomatic discipline. It’s not a question of being concerned about him. We have dealt with the Israeli ambassador, who was crossing the diplomatic bounds between countries, going to the Eastern Cape, doing as he wishes in our country. We showed him the door, undermining our State. We don’t do that in other countries. If we do it, we are equally subjected to the same rules. America did not think twice when they expelled Ambassador Rasool.”
The people of this country have risen not in disorder, but in disciplined formation, not in anger, but in purposeful resolve; not in fragmentation, but in unity of a nation that understands both its history and its power.
This is a march that carries the voice of the workers,… pic.twitter.com/zRVfevzumS
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) March 21, 2026
The march served as a reminder that defending our democracy, protecting our sovereignty, and upholding our hard-won rights is a responsibility we all share. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to a South Africa that is free, fair, and just for all.#SAWillNotBeBullied
… pic.twitter.com/WVEIDeamfH
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) March 21, 2026
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