US revokes South Africa’s former minister visa over 'Israel' ICJ case

The United States has revoked the visa of South Africa’s former international relations minister, Naledi Pandor, in what is widely viewed as a response to Pretoria’s legal action against 'Israel' at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the charge of genocide in Gaza.

Pandor, who led South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation from 2019 to 2024 and was instrumental in filing the ICJ case, announced the visa revocation on Thursday. The move comes just days ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, an event already overshadowed by Washington’s decision to send a low-level delegation rather than Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The former minister revealed that she received an email from the US Consulate notifying her that her visa had been cancelled immediately. Speaking to media, Pandor said she was unaware of the specific reasons for the revocation but suggested it was linked to her involvement in the Palestine case.

“I understand that it has happened to other South Africans, too,” she said, adding: “There is a sort of malevolence if one is not toeing the line when it comes to the question of Palestine. We have seen actions taken against South Africa following the case at the ICJ.”

Pandor had previously held a multiple-entry visitor visa for short-term stays in the US. Analysts say the revocation reflects ongoing diplomatic, financial, and political pressure on South Africa by the US.