US Revokes Former Minister's Visa
The United States has revoked the visa of former South African International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor, a development she announced on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Ms. Pandor, who served as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation from 2019 to 2024 and was instrumental in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), received an email from the US Consulate informing her of the immediate cancellation of her multiple-entry visitor's visa. No specific reasons were provided for the revocation.
The US embassy has indicated it will not 'discuss details' regarding the decision.
Presidency's Stance on the Matter
In response, the South African Presidency has moved to downplay the political implications of the visa revocation. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated that the matter rests 'squarely with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)' and that the government would not escalate it into a diplomatic confrontation. Ntshavheni emphasized that Ms. Pandor is no longer a cabinet minister and that such visa decisions do not impact daily governance or cabinet operations, remarking, 'If they revoke someone's visa – like any other country – when they decide – it doesn't change the price of bread.'
Speculation on Reasons and Broader Context
While the US provided no official explanation, the revocation is widely perceived as a consequence of South Africa's decision to bring a genocide case against Israel before the ICJ. Ms. Pandor has been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause and an outspoken critic of the US and Israel. Reports suggest that lobbying efforts against her, citing her alignment with pro-Palestinian states and participation in 'Solidarity with Palestine' conferences, may have influenced the decision.
The Biden administration had previously described Pretoria's ICJ case against Israel as 'meritless' in January 2024. This incident also occurs just days before Johannesburg is set to host the G20 Leaders' Summit, an event already marked by the US's decision to send a low-level delegation.
Pandor's Reaction and Future Travel
Ms. Pandor, who now serves as chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, expressed surprise at the revocation but noted she had no immediate plans to travel to the US. She suspects the decision is linked to her work on Palestine and views it as an attempt to silence her, a tactic she asserts 'won't work.' She remains undecided about reapplying for a new visa.
5 Comments
Noir Black
A country's borders are its own business. Simple as that.
KittyKat
It's true that Ms. Pandor is no longer in office, but her past role in the ICJ case makes this more than just a personal matter. Both sides have valid points, but the optics for US foreign policy are not good.
Katchuka
The Presidency is spineless for downplaying this. Stand up for our former officials!
paracelsus
Silencing critics is what superpowers do. Disgraceful move by the US.
anubis
Pandor was right; this is directly linked to her stance on Palestine. Shameful bullying.