Pandor unsure what may have influenced US’ decision to revoke her visa

Former Minister of International Relations Naledi Pandor said she has no idea what may have influenced the United States' (US) decision to revoke her visa.

However, she said she is aware of a lobby against her that has been writing to the US government, trying to stop her from entering the country.

Pandor returned from the US this week to an email from the Cape Town consulate informing her that she may no longer use her visitor’s visa issued to her in 2024 and would have to reapply.

Pandor said she was not offered reasons for why the visa had been retracted.

Pandor has always been a fierce advocate for human rights and the Palestinian cause in particular, and then was catapulted onto the world stage when South Africa launched its genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during her tenure as international relations minister.

Since retiring from active politics, Pandor has ravelled to the US twice in 2025, largely to meet with the organisation Justice for All, which is focused on the situation of Palestinians in Gaza.

“Also comparing their situation with the experience of black South Africans under apartheid.”

She also addressed the United Nations (UN) on International Nelson Mandela Day in July.

For now, Pandor said she’s undecided as to whether she will reapply for another US 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.”

Former member of the Jewish Board of Deputies and attorney Lawrence Nowosenetz is among those who have written to the US government, claiming Pandor aligned herself with pro-Palestinian states – Iran and Qatar - during her tenure as minister.

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