Former International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor. Image: @DIRCO_ZA shared via X.
(The Post News)-Former International Relations Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor’s multiple-entry U.S. visa was revoked without explanation. She confirmed to EWN that this was done via an email from the U.S. Consulate in Cape Town this week.
The United States government cited a section of law that allows for revocation without providing a specific reason. This has sparked diplomatic tension ahead of the G20 Summit.
Visa Revocation Raises Diplomatic Questions
Pandor now chairs the Nelson Mandela Foundation. She had recently returned from a trip to the United States. There, she delivered a keynote address at the United Nations. It was to mark Nelson Mandela International Day.
She expressed confusion over the decision. She noted that no reasons were provided. However, she acknowledged being aware of lobbying efforts against her entry into the U.S.
Pandor has been a vocal advocate for human rights and the Palestinian cause. Observers noticed an increase in this advocacy’s prominence. This became especially clear when South Africa initiated a genocide case against Israel. They brought the case to the International Court of Justice earlier this year.
Analysts suggest her outspoken positions may have contributed to Washington’s move, though the U.S. government has not issued an official statement. The revocation has been widely criticized in South Africa. Commentators warn that it undermines diplomatic norms. They also caution that it risks overshadowing the continent’s first hosting of the G20 Summit.
Ramaphosa Rejects G20 Handover to U.S. Ambassador
G20 negotiators, known as sherpas, finally reached consensus on a Leaders’ Declaration. This was achieved early Friday morning. The agreement was reached after days of intense talks. These talks began on Sunday. The agreement was secured just in time for the summit scheduled to open on Saturday at Nasrec, south of Johannesburg.
The breakthrough came against the backdrop of tensions with Washington. President Cyril Ramaphosa disclosed that the U.S. embassy had requested permission. They wanted Marc Dillard, the acting ambassador, to take part in the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency.
This event was to occur at the summit’s closing session. The U.S. is due to assume the presidency next year. However, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, dismissed the idea. He said it would breach protocol for a head of state to hand over to a chargé d’affaires.
Initially, President Donald Trump had announced that no U.S. officials would attend the summit. However, at a press conference with EU leaders, Ramaphosa revealed that Washington had changed its position at the last minute. The U.S. was now seeking some form of participation. He described this as a “positive sign,” noting that it was better for the U.S. to be inside the G20 process than outside.
Even so, Ramaphosa emphasized that the late request posed logistical challenges, from accreditation to speaking arrangements. A letter from the U.S. embassy confirmed Dillard’s request to join the closing ceremony with seven staff members. Yet confusion persisted, as new communications suggested Washington might want broader involvement.
The White House later pushed back, with officials denying any change in position and criticizing Ramaphosa’s comments. Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly dismissed reports of U.S. participation as “fake news.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Ramaphosa of “running his mouth a little bit against the United States.”
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