A statement from the US Embassy in Pretoria indicates the remarks have sparked a diplomatic incident.

Embassy spokesman John Hillmeyer says in a statement this morning that the US categorically rejects the baseless and offensive accusation from the deputy minister and will lodge a complaint through diplomatic channels.

South Africa’s relations with the US have been particularly warm following last year’s visit by President Barak Obama.

The deputy minister’s remarks and the terse response from the embassy indicate that nothing should be taken for granted in dealing with the world’s last remaining super power.

The extent of Washington’s anger and the consequences for South Africa will become clear when the diplomatic protest is made.

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