By Victor Akan
MANDLA Mandela, grandson of South Africa’s first Black president, Nelson Mandela, was denied a UK visa due to his outspoken support for Hamas and his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Mandela, who serves as a member of South Africa’s parliament, revealed that the UK Home Office rejected his visa application, preventing him from speaking at pro-Palestinian events planned in Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Despite typically being able to travel visa-free with his South African government passport, Mandela was informed he would require a visa. In a letter dated October 21, the UK Home Office cited Mandela’s ‘support for Hamas’ as grounds for refusal, adding that his presence could incite unrest within the UK’s Jewish communities.
Visa refusal cites ‘unacceptable behaviour’
The Home Office letter stated, ‘Your presence in the UK has been assessed as not conducive to the public good due to your engagement in unacceptable behaviour.’ The letter referenced Mandela’s public statements and social media posts supporting Hamas, including his attendance at the funeral of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas figure killed in an airstrike. It further noted Mandela’s meeting with Khaled Meshaal, another high-profile Hamas leader, which the Home Office described as potentially inciting ‘tensions and disorder.’
The UK government’s move has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, both in the UK and South Africa, including the Desmond Tutu Foundation and the Sheffield Palestine Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid, who argue the decision infringes on freedom of speech and movement.
Mandela’s response
Mandela condemned the visa refusal, vowing to continue his advocacy for Palestinian rights. ‘We can never be silenced,’ he told the Associated Press (AP), likening his restrictions to the struggles faced by his grandfather. ‘My grandfather’s freedom was limited, yet he remained resolute in his pursuit of justice and human rights,’ he said, adding that he, too, would stand firm on the issue.
Mandela’s comments have intensified debate on the UK’s stance towards pro-Palestinian advocacy amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The UK Home Office has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the decision.
FOR ADVERT AND NEWS PUBLICATION, EMAIL US @ tarakirivoicenewspaper@gmail.com or call or WhatsApp us on 08160439769
