UDM: Why can’t the Dalai Lama visit South Africa?

STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR BONGANI MSOMI, UDM SECRETARY GENERAL

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wants to know why the Dalai Lama is, yet again, barred from entering South Africa. Maybe it’s third time lucky?

How ironic that a peaceful leader, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, cannot visit South Africa to attend the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, whilst we are proud of those South Africans who have been bestowed the same honour.

Now we hear that other laureates will not come if the Dalai Lama is not permitted to enter the country. What a poor peace summit it will make when the host country, for some unknown reason, denies the Dalai Lama access to this international event. The rest of the world must be raising their eyebrows.

The UDM believes that it is plain and simple; there is a pattern forming. Government must come clean and say why it does not want the Dalai Lama to come to South Africa. Hiding behind bureaucracy just does not cut it anymore.