Ramaphosa receives letters of credence from ambassadors of 20 countries

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received letters of credence from heads of mission-designate representing 20 countries, including the United States (US).

This formalises diplomatic relations between nations and confirms the status of appointed ambassadors.

The US ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell, is among those who’ve officially presented their credentials to Ramaphosa.

The ceremony was being held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Wednesday.

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Bozell arrived in Pretoria as the US ambassador in February, but he already has a strained relationship with the Union Buildings.

He has explicitly said his main mission is to put pressure on South Africa to drop its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Bozell was also recently read the Riot Act by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) here at home after publicly criticising a court ruling on the "kill the boer" chant.

He has now handed his credentials to Ramaphosa after publicly slamming his government.

“Your Excellency, it’s a great honour and a privilege to be here. I bring you greetings from my President and the entire people of the United States of America. I bring you my letter of credence as well as the letter of recall for my predecessor.”

Other heads of mission-designate in attendance include representatives from Zimbabwe, Cuba, Denmark, and other nations.