Naledi Pandor Questions US Decision After Her Visa Is Suddenly Revoked

Former Minister of International Relations Naledi Pandor says she remains in the dark about why the United States abruptly revoked her visa.

Pandor, who returned from a recent trip to the US this week, received an email from the Cape Town consulate informing her that the visitor’s visa issued to her in 2024 was no longer valid and that she would need to reapply.

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She said no explanation was provided for the decision. However, Pandor noted that she is aware of a lobby group that has been contacting US authorities in an effort to block her entry into the country.

Pandor, known for her strong human rights advocacy and outspoken support for the Palestinian cause, played a key role in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during her time as minister.

Lobbying Concerns and Naledi Pandor’s Recent US Visits

Since stepping away from active politics, Pandor has travelled to the US twice in 2025, primarily to engage with the organisation Justice for All, which focuses on the situation facing Palestinians in Gaza.

The group also “comparing their situation with the experience of black South Africans under apartheid.”

She also addressed the United Nations on International Nelson Mandela Day in July, further elevating her international profile.

Among those who wrote to the US government is attorney and former member of the Jewish Board of Deputies, Lawrence Nowosenetz, who alleged that Pandor aligned herself with pro-Palestinian states such as Iran and Qatar during her tenure.

Pandor Still Deciding on Next Steps

At this stage, Pandor has not committed to reapplying for a visa.

“I’m still thinking through whether there’s any merit in me reapplying and having an interview. I don’t know what the content of that might be,” she said.

Her next move remains uncertain as questions continue to swirl around the US decision and the lobbying said to be taking place behind the scenes.

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