The government of South Africa has expressed outrage after Israel’s decision to deny a visa to Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.
Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director General of Department of International Relations and Cooperation, told Al Jazeera on Thursday the Israeli government needed to offer a reason for the snubbing.
“We are taking it up through the proper channels.
“We need to receive a proper explanation for the denial of a visa to a sitting cabinet minister,” Monyela said.
The minister was scheduled to travel to the occupied Palestinian territories from April 25-29. He was scheduled to secure further collaboration with the University of Johannesburg and institutions in Palestine.
Nzimande’s spokesperson told local media that the denial of the visa had caused a “serious diplomatic problem“.
Naeem Jeenah, Director of Afro-Middle East Centre, based in Johannesburg, described the snubbing as “surprising” considering the two countries’ growing trade relations.
Jeenah said the Palestinian solidarity movement in South Africa “would be thrilled” with Israel’s decision “because South Africa now has to respond to this matter”.
Arthur Lenk, the Israeli ambassador in Pretoria, told Al Jazeera that South African officials routinely visit the West Bank through Israel.
Lenk would not be drawn into discussing why specifically Nzimande’s visa application was denied, though he described the minister as being “very vocal on a range of issues connected to Israel, South Africa and my region”.
The ambassador said the decision to deny the visa was made in Israel.
“The decision came from Jerusalem,” Lenk said.
But Jeenah said anything the Israelis say on the matter “could really only make the situation worse”.
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DAT is very good for south Africa. Dey 4get we both need each order one way or order.
ReplyDeleteNice one.
ReplyDeleteSince d South Africans r so bent to maim and push immigrant out of there country, I think they should be treated as an island! This is just the beginning! Let all the Zulus stay in their country and take care of all they need 4rm within...Bunch of wicked fools!!!
ReplyDeleteU South Africans kill and plunder ppl's means of livelihood and there was no outrage. They deny u visa and u are crying wolf as if they've killed ur president. U guys better change b4 they start killing SA in other countries.
ReplyDelete