Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has downplayed the significance of the United States potentially revoking her visa, stating it wouldn't impact South Africa significantly. This follows the US decision to cancel the visa of former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor, a move believed to be linked to Pandor's strong stance on Palestine and South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“Even if they revoke my visa, it is fine. I won’t have to go to the US. Actually, the majority of us don’t go to the US; we only go for the UN meeting,” Ntshavheni told journalists, highlighting that most South African officials only travel to the US for United Nations meetings.
Pandor confirmed receiving an email from the US consulate informing her of the visa cancellation without explanation. While the US embassy hasn't provided a reason, speculation suggests it's connected to South Africa's ICJ case against Israel, which Washington opposed.
The timing is sensitive, coinciding with a diplomatic spat over the G20 presidency handover. The US boycotted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, and South Africa rejected the US offer to send a lower-level representative for the handover. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola stated South Africa would assign a diplomat of equivalent rank to ensure protocol was maintained.
Ntshavheni dismissed the US action, saying, “Former minister Naledi Pandor is not a minister in cabinet. Like any other country, they can decide to give you a visa or not. It doesn’t change the price of bread.”
South Africa's Stance on Palestine and International Relations
Pandor's visa revocation underscores the potential consequences of South Africa's outspoken position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The US has previously expressed disapproval of South Africa's ICJ case, describing it as “meritless”.
Impact on Future Diplomatic Relations
The visa issues and G20 handover dispute raise questions about the future of US-South Africa relations. While Ntshavheni attempts to minimize the impact, the events suggest a growing rift between the two nations.
- Will the US continue to exert pressure on South Africa over its stance on Palestine?
- How will this affect future collaborations between the two countries on international issues?
- Could other South African officials face similar visa restrictions?