3-minute read
11 October 2024 | 15:56 CAT

‘It seems that there are those who are intent on preventing me’ from coming to Britain, Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela said. (AFP)

Chaos erupted after Nelson Mandela’s grandson’s major nine-day tour was thrown into doubt when he did not receive a UK visa in time for his flight.

Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela has reportedly cancelled his flight to the UK, where he was due to address a series of pro-Palestine events in eight cities—Sheffield, Manchester, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Bristol, and Brighton—including one alongside Labour MPs.

He had been expected to speak in person at an event in Sheffield on Thursday evening to kick off his speaking tour, seen as a major event for the British pro-Palestinian activist movement.

Africa4Palestine strongly condemns the attempts to block Chief Mandla ManMandela’savel to the UK, echoing the historical injustices faced by his grandfather, Nelson Mandela, during the fight against apartheid.

This unjust treatment resonates today as we witness the relentless harassment of those who advocate for freedom and justice.

“As South Africa leads the charge at the International Court of Justice against Israel’s genocide, it is not just important, but urgent for UK and Irish citizens to hear from significant political figures like Mandla Mandela. His voice is not just vital, but crucial in the discourse surrounding international law and the plight of the Palestinian people, especially when governments in Washington and London actively support a state accused of committing atrocities,” Africa4Palestine said.

Africa4Palestine urges the UK government and all concerned citizens to uphold the principles of free speech and justice.

“Let Mandla Mandela shares his insights and experiences with audiences in the UK and Ireland. We call for an end to the madness of labelling freedom fighters as terrorists, and we stand firm in our belief that the world must unite against all forms of oppression.”

Meanwhile, Mandla is still expected to visit Dublin, where his visa requirement to enter has been waived.

You can listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Muallimah Annisa Essack and Africa4Palestine Communications and Campaigns Manager Alie Komape here.