by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE United States’ sudden decision to revoke the visa of former South African international relations minister Dr Naledi Pandor has ignited outrage across Africa, with many commentators decrying what they call a thinly veiled imperialist tactic rooted in geopolitical retaliation.
Pandor, now chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, confirmed that she received an email from the U.S. Consulate informing her that her multiple-entry visitor’s visa — granted in 2024 — had been revoked.
She told reporters she was offered no explanation, citing a legal clause that allows the U.S. to cancel visas without providing detailed reasons.
The move has drawn wide condemnation, especially among African and South African figures, who see it as punitive and politically motivated.
They link the visa revocation to Pandor’s outspoken role in South Africa’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) case accusing Israel of genocide — a case that sharply divided Washington.
“Africa knows all the imperialists’ tactics,” said Louis Seeco. “They (the U.S.) can go ahead and revoke the visas of all of us who stand for justice and the right of Palestinians to live in peace … Free Palestine.”
Oscar Seabi echoed this sentiment, stating: “I doubt she cares. America is increasingly becoming irrelevant as the world is moving on without it.”
Others pointed to history: “Nelson Mandela was once on their (US) terrorist list,” said Nicole Sussex, drawing a parallel to how Pandor is now being sidelined, despite her lifelong advocacy for human rights.
RGM Crusader added, “Minister Pandor can still deal with them (US and Israel) from right here — via Zoom. She can roast them and teach good morals to the entire U.S. Congress, executive and judiciary.”
Simba Besa went further, warning that Western double standards prevail: “You give the U.S. too much attention … under Trump, it’s scary, he is the modern Hitler. For the first time, Africa has more freedoms than the U.S.”
He argued that this visa revocation is emblematic of a greater shift toward Global South solidarity, and Africa’s emergence as a force that cannot simply be bullied.
Pandor, for her part, remains composed. She said she is “still thinking through” whether to reapply for another visa, highlighting that the decision may be symptomatic of a wider campaign against her, involving lobby groups that oppose her advocacy.
Observers say that this incident speaks to a deeper diplomatic rift. South Africa’s foreign policy — particularly its ties to a multipolar world and support for the Palestinian cause — has increasingly clashed with U.S. interests.
Some analysts suggest the visa revocation is not only personal, but symbolic: a warning to other African voices that challenge Western hegemony.
In response, many on the continent are rallying around Pandor as a symbol of resistance.
Her supporters argue that the era of using visa power as a tool of diplomatic coercion is waning — especially as Africa asserts more independence and unity through institutions like BRICS.
They say this moment highlights for the world that genuine global justice cannot be shaped by the whims of one superpower.
– CAJ News