Cabinet- Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has moved to calm public speculation about diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States, assuring the nation that members of Cabinet are not alarmed by the prospect of their US visas being revoked. Her remarks come in the wake of renewed scrutiny over South Africa–US relations following the G20 Leaders’ Summit and the controversial visa cancellation of former Minister Naledi Pandor.
Ntshavheni was addressing questions regarding the state of diplomatic relations between the two countries, particularly after the incident involving Pandor, whose multi-entry visitor’s visa was revoked without explanation by the former Trump Administration. The issue resurfaced as discussions at the G20 brought attention to the broader political climate. Despite these circumstances, Ntshavheni made it clear that the South African Cabinet is not rattled and continues to focus on the work ahead.
During her briefing, Ntshavheni reiterated that the diplomatic developments do not signify a breakdown in relations between Pretoria and Washington. According to her, the discussions during the G20 summit would continue smoothly, with no disruptions expected as a result of past visa decisions.
Cabinet Reassures the Public: No Crisis Between South Africa and the US
She emphasised that diplomatic engagements often involve administrative decisions that may appear contentious but do not necessarily reflect the overall relationship between two nations. “There are no tensions,” Ntshavheni insisted, saying that the South African government remains fully engaged with its US counterparts and sees no reason for alarm. Her confidence was echoed by other Cabinet insiders who believe the bilateral relationship remains stable.
On the specific matter of Naledi Pandor’s visa revocation, Ntshavheni explained that it is a technical issue best handled by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). Pandor herself revealed that no reasons were provided for the cancellation of her visa, a move that raised eyebrows but did not escalate into a diplomatic dispute. DIRCO, she noted, will continue addressing the matter through official channels.
Ntshavheni’s most striking comment came when she sought to contextualise the situation with pragmatism: whether one minister or several have their visas revoked, it has no tangible impact on the daily lives of ordinary South Africans.
“If they revoke whoever, like any other country when they decide you come in, give you a visa or not give you a visa, it doesn’t change the price of bread. Even if they revoke my visa it’s fine,” she said. The statement underscored her belief that visa decisions, while symbolically significant, have no bearing on domestic governance or service delivery.
Her remarks also highlighted that South African ministers rarely travel to the United States unless attending major international events such as United Nations meetings in New York. For most members of Cabinet, US travel is not central to their duties, which Ntshavheni argued is further reason not to overstate the importance of the visa issue.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit, hosted with intensive preparation by the South African government, became a focal point of diplomatic narratives. Despite speculation, Ntshavheni assured the nation that the summit’s agenda and bilateral discussions with major global players—including the US—remained unaffected.
Her comments align with the official position that South Africa continues to maintain constructive relationships with all global partners. The G20 platform, she noted, is critical for advancing South Africa’s economic and developmental priorities, and Cabinet is committed to ensuring these opportunities are not undermined by isolated administrative disputes.
Throughout her briefing, Ntshavheni maintained a steady tone, emphasising that the government’s foreign policy remains guided by consistency, diplomacy, and respect for international norms. The visa controversy, she indicated, should not overshadow the constructive outcomes of the summit or the ongoing work of the Presidency and its ministries.
For South Africans observing the situation, Ntshavheni’s remarks serve to anchor the narrative: Cabinet is neither panicked nor distracted by the diplomatic episode involving the US. Instead, ministers remain focused on domestic priorities and international engagements that genuinely impact the country’s trajectory.
Her assurance reflects a government positioning itself above political noise and prioritising effective governance over symbolic disputes. While the visa cancellation of a former minister may have sparked debate, the official message remains unequivocal—South Africa’s relationship with the United States is intact, and the work of government continues uninterrupted.
Source- EWN