UK denies visa to Nelson Mandela’s grandson

Mandla Mandela

Cape Town – Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, was denied a UK visa due to his alleged support for Hamas, reports say.

The UK Home Office cited “unacceptable behaviour,” pointing to statements by Mandela that supported Hamas, including praise for the October 7 attack on Israel and the deceased Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

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.”

According to The Citizen, 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, including commemorating the anniversary of a Hamas attack, expressing condolences for Haniyeh’s death, and attending his funeral in Qatar in August.

Following the funeral, he reportedly shared a post on Instagram: “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.

He attributed the visa denial to pressure from the “Zionist lobby” and insisted he would continue supporting Palestinian causes, linking this stance to his grandfather’s legacy, The Citizen said.

Mandela applied for the visa on October 8, but it was denied on October 21.

The UK considers Hamas a terrorist organisation, and the decision is final, with no option for appeal or review.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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