**US Revokes Visa of Former Minister Naledi Pandor Amid Controversy**
In a surprising turn of events, the United States has revoked the visa of South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor. This decision has garnered significant attention and controversy, especially given the recent geopolitical tensions surrounding South Africa’s diplomatic stance on various international issues.
The news was first reported by Eye Witness News (EWN), with sources confirming the validity of the visa revocation. Following this revelation, SABC News sought to gather further details by reaching out to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where Pandor serves as chairperson, and the US Embassy in Pretoria. However, as of now, no official responses have been provided by either party.
Dr. Pandor’s visa was revoked shortly after her recent trip to the United States, which concluded just this week. This visit has been scrutinized, particularly by Israel’s Embassy to South Africa, which flagged her activities on social media. In a thread posted on platform X (formerly Twitter), the embassy criticized Pandor for her hosting of Francesca Albanese, a Special Rapporteur known for her vocal opposition to Israeli policies, at this year’s Nelson Mandela Lecture. Her engagement with Albanese, who has been a controversial figure due to her views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has drawn ire and amplified diplomatic tensions.
The revocation of Pandor’s visa reflects broader issues in international relations, particularly concerning South Africa’s foreign policy direction. The nation has faced criticism for its perceived neutrality in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its growing alliances with nations like Russia and China. This incident may further complicate South Africa’s diplomatic ties with the US, which has been increasingly attentive to issues of human rights and geopolitical alignment.
Pandor, a seasoned politician with an extensive career in various governmental roles, has been a prominent advocate for human rights and social justice. Her stance on international issues has often aligned with that of the African National Congress (ANC), which has historical ties to liberation movements worldwide, including in Palestine. This background could explain the ensuing controversy over her recent engagements in the US.
As more information surfaces regarding the reasons behind the visa revocation, the political implications of this action remain to be fully explored. Observers are keenly watching how this situation will affect South Africa’s foreign relations, particularly with the United States, and whether it will influence broader discourse on international policy within the region.
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