Chaos erupted as Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela, was forced to cancel his UK tour due to issues with his visa application.
Story Summary:
- Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela’s UK tour was delayed due to visa complications, preventing him from attending pro-Palestine events.
- Mandela suggested his support for Palestine might have caused the delay, though no official reason has been given.
- Mandela’s vocal support for Hamas and Hezbollah has drawn criticism from UK sources, citing concerns over national interest.
Nelson Mandela’s grandson claims his UK visa was banned
According to reports, Mandla Mandela was scheduled to speak at a series of pro-Palestine events across eight UK cities, including Sheffield, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
However, he did not receive his visa in time for the planned events, throwing his tour into doubt.
Mandla Mandela expressed frustration over the situation, suggesting that his outspoken support for Palestine might be the reason behind his visa denial.
He stated:
“It seems there are those who are intent on preventing me from being physically with you in Britain.”
Despite the setback, Mandela is expected to continue his speaking engagements virtually.
The Sheffield Palestine Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid, which organised one of the events, issued a statement confirming that Mandela had been informed at the last minute that he required a visa to enter the UK.
High-level approaches from senior ANC figures to secure his visa reportedly failed.
By contrast, the Irish government waived visa requirements, allowing Mandela to travel to Ireland for his engagements.
Why was Mandela’s UK visa reportedly blocked?
While the UK Home Office has not provided an official explanation for the visa delay, reports have surfaced linking Mandela’s support for Palestinian resistance groups like Hamas and Hezbollah to the decision.
Both groups are designated as terrorist organisations in the UK, and there are suggestions that his public comments in support of Hamas may have influenced the visa decision.
Earlier this year, Mandela made headlines for his praise of Hamas during the October 2023 conflict in Gaza, stating:
“We support the Palestinian right to resist… and support Operation Al Aqsa Flood.”
The grandson of Nelson Mandela has been an outspoken advocate for the Palestinian cause, often drawing parallels between the fight against Israeli occupation and South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
