THE new US ambassador to South Africa has been summoned to explain his criticism of some of Pretoria’s domestic policies, according to Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola.

Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III was called in after speaking on Tuesday at a meeting of business leaders, where he challenged the South African government over its diplomatic ties with Iran and its affirmative action laws that advance opportunities for black people ahead of other races.

Mr Bozell, a far-right activist appointed by US President Donald Trump, took up his role in Pretoria last month.

In his first detailed public comments on US-South Africa ties since arriving, Mr Bozell said South Africa should change some of its affirmative action laws, which are intended to redress the inequalities resulting from South Africa’s decades of racial segregation under apartheid. 

He compared the laws to the legislation that oppressed black people during apartheid.

Mr Bozell also called for change to a law that allows the South African government to expropriate land without compensation in some circumstances.

On Wednesday, Mr Lamola told a press conference: “While South Africa welcomes active public diplomacy and the strengthening of bilateral ties, we emphasise that such engagements must remain consistent with established diplomatic etiquette and international protocols. 

“In this regard, we have called in the US ambassador to explain his undiplomatic remarks.”

Foreign Ministry director-general Zane Dangor said Mr Bozell had met South African officials and the ambassador had “apologised and expressed regret.”

There was no immediate comment from the US government.

Mr Bozell’s remarks followed a pattern of Trump administration criticism of the South African government.

The US president has previously claimed falsely that white-minority farmers are being targeted in a campaign of violence and killings. 

He ambushed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with this bogus assertion at a White House meeting last year.

The pictures used by Mr Trump during the confrontation were later revealed to be false.