WILL RAMAPHOSA ACCEPT BOZELL'S CREDENTIALS?

Until then he has no authority to sign treaties or make official statements on behalf of the US government

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

UNITED States ambassador designate Leo Brent Bozell III. | Independent Newspapers

(Independent Newspapers)

UNITED States ambassador designate Leo Brent Bozell III has arrived in South Africa but he is not yet Washington's top envoy in Pretoria.

Under international diplomatic protocol, an ambassador cannot formally take up their post until presenting credentials. Credentials are formal letters from one head of state to another confirming that the envoy is authorised to represent their government.

Only once President Cyril Ramaphosa receives and accepts those credentials will Bozell officially become the United States ambassador to South Africa.

Until then, he remains ambassador designate, without the authority to sign treaties, make official statements on behalf of the US government, or engage formally with the South African state.