Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, was reportedly been denied a UK visa due to his alleged support for Hamas.
‘Praise for an attack’
The UK Home Office cited ‘unacceptable behaviour’, pointing to statements by Mandela that supported Hamas, including praise for the 7 October attack on Israel and the recent death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Mandela applied for the visa on 8 October, but it was denied on 21 October.
The UK considers Hamas a terrorist organisation, and the decision is final, with no option for appeal or review.
According to The Citizen, in the letter explaining the decision to deny Mandela’s visa, the Home Office stated: ‘Your presence in the UK has been assessed as not conducive to the public good on the grounds that you have engaged in unacceptable behaviour.
‘You have made multiple statements which explicitly support Hamas and their terrorist violence, including glorifying the 7 October attack on Israel and their recently deceased leader Ismail Haniyeh.’
Haniyeh, a Hamas political leader, was killed by Israeli forces in Beirut in July.
Mandela’s support for Hamas was highlighted through three tweets and statements which commemorated the anniversary of a Hamas attack, expressed condolences for Haniyeh’s death and attending his funeral in Qatar in August.
Following the funeral, he shared a post on Instagram, stating: ‘We bid farewell to Sheikh Ismail Haniyeh as he is laid to rest today.
‘He was a great leader and an inspiration to all revolutionaries and freedom fighters of the world.’
Mandela was also accused of backing Hezbollah in social media posts.
Mandla Mandela’s father Makgatho Mandela was the the son of Nelson Mandela.
Justifiable reason for denying someone a visa?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
