Peter Kaonjeza

The problem you have with Desmond Tutu is that he no longer have any principle at all. Greed has taken over … Does he think Africans have any interest at all? It is in the interest of Africa not to antagonize China.

Since Desmond Tutu started going around the West making a lot of money from speaking engagements, he has become greedy. He is more concerned about whether he will keep being invited to make speeches – whether he will make more money other -than what is good for Africa. He is now always try to be on the side of the West because he does not want to lose this money.

His language is increasingly distressing. Every time Africans make a decison defirrent from the West he uses phrases like,”I am ashamed”. Does he really think Africans should be opuppets of the west.

For too long Desmond Tutu has been a two timing guy. Black Africans never really trusted him during apartheid. In fact some even believed that the Europeans gave him the Nobel Prize because they didnt want to antagonize the apartheid government.

These days his decisions are based more on himself – greed!

S Reddy

This is a dud decision! We continue to entertain the ilk of Robert Mugabe and grant visas to criminals, but refuse a visa to one of the most revered apostles of peace. This is certainly not in South Africa’s interest.

I cannot understand why we are afraid of antagonising China as it is clear China is not interested in Africa’s welfare; it is only interested in what it can get out of Africa – its raw materials – to satisfy the insatiable demand of a massive population. And if China is indeed a friend, should we be afraid of offending it if we offend our own principles and struggle in the process?

We were rightly angry when the West (Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Regan, etc.) treated Madiba with disdain. Now we are doing the same – to another liberation fighter – and true friend. This is indeed disgraceful!

D Basson

As a South African I am deeply shamed that our government has refused His Holiness the Dalia Lama’s Visa. Our recent celebration of Human Rights day is a mockery when we bow to China’s demands.

China has a shocking human rights record and one would think that our struggle history (from en equally oppressive aparheid government) would have our government speaking up against China. In stead our government has sold us down the river while their back pockets swell.

Eli Jikelele

@ Peter Kaonjeza:

Not entirely sure where your left-field vitriolic attack on Arch Tutu is coming from although I suspect some ars.ehole in Luthuli House put you up to it. Go read the blog again and then tell the readers why the ANC regime thought it fit to deny the Dalai Lama a visa. Will this benefit the country or just the well-connected ANC pigs with their long snouts in the pig swill gravy trough?

A. Zachas

South Africa is known around the world for the peaceful transition from apartheid to a democratic government. President Mandela and Archbishop Tutu have always been a voice of peace and reconciliation in the world and have looked out for the best interests of all people. They have stood on strong principles and beliefs and are truly remarkable people. I find it deeply troubling the the South African government has denied a visa to the Dalai Lama due to what seems to be political pressure from abroad. The purpose of the World Cup is to bring the nations of the world together to enjoy an event that inspires millions of people around the globe. South Africa’s president claims that the visa has been denied since it “is not in the best interests of the country” to do so and to keep focus on South Africa and not on China and the Dalai Lama. Well, it would seem that the governments response has done exactly what they did not want – change the focus to the Dalai Lama and to raise questions on the legitimacy of South Africa’s principles as a country that has stood as the symbol peace for so many.

Kevin

Where is the spirit of freedom that sustained the people of South Africa during those apartheid years? Thanks to the SA government. Our focus has been directed to the Tibet and Dalai Lama issue.
2010 soccer? It’s still one year away and the event will soon become history. But mankind’s incessant struggle for freedom (sounds familiar?)
will go on and on.