Ntshavheni: 'It doesn’t change the price of bread' after Pandor US visa revocation

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has commented on the United States’ decision to revoke former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor’s visa, saying that even if they revoke her visa it does not concern her.

Ntshavheni spoke on the sidelines of the final day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

“The other issues you are referring to are matters that DIRCO will have to deal with. Former Minister Naledi Pandor is not a member of Cabinet. If they revoke someone’s visa - like any other country - when they decide - it doesn’t change the price of bread,” she said.

“Even if they revoke my visa, it’s fine. I would not go to the US. Actually, the majority of us don’t go to the US; we go to UN meetings,” Ntshavheni added.

The US move is likely to further strain already low relations between South Africa and Washington. 

Pandor confirmed she received a brief email from the US Consulate notifying her of the revocation, which did not explain the decision.

Pandor retired last year and has been a vocal supporter of Palestine. 

She was minister when South Africa filed a case of alleged genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice, a move opposed by the US government.

Ntshavheni also addressed remarks by US officials criticising President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Ramaphosa of “running his mouth” after he revealed that the United States had changed its position and would participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, despite initially announcing a boycott.

“We are bigger than that. President Ramaphosa demonstrated to the world that he is a leader among leaders. He has ensured this G20 Summit is successful.”

“Brazil had to concede that they initiated the social summit, but we did one better, achieving consensus on all matters.”

She said the South African government performed well during the summit.

“We have pushed the African agenda to the top. Were it not for the sterling leadership of President Ramaphosa, we would not be here,” Ntshavheni said.

Leavitt delivered the unusually pointed rebuke during a White House media briefing on Thursday, saying Ramaphosa’s comments were inaccurate and “not appreciated” by President Donald Trump’s administration.

“I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States and the president of the United States earlier today, and that language is not appreciated by the president or his team,” Leavitt said.

The G20 Summit, which began on Saturday, November 22, will conclude on Sunday, November 23.

A total of 42 countries are participating, including 20 G20 members, 16 guest countries, and six nations representing regional economic communities in Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia. 

The United States which did not attend the summit.

IOL