The United States has revoked the visitor visa of Naledi Pandor, the former South African International Relations Minister and current chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Pandor confirmed she received an email notification from the US Consulate providing no explanation for the decision, which occurred shortly after a recent trip. The unexpected action has generated speculation that it relates to diplomatic tensions, particularly South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, a move the US government strongly opposes.
Pandor expressed confusion over the revocation, noting that US law does not require authorities to furnish a reason. She recently traveled to the US under that visa to deliver a keynote address at the United Nations. Political observers suggest the decision may reflect worsening relations between the two nations, which have recently included the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador. The South African government has described the visa revocation as a regrettable development.
Pandor expressed confusion over the revocation, noting that US law does not require authorities to furnish a reason. She recently traveled to the US under that visa to deliver a keynote address at the United Nations. Political observers suggest the decision may reflect worsening relations between the two nations, which have recently included the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador. The South African government has described the visa revocation as a regrettable development.
