HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA REGRETS CALLING OFF SOUTH AFRICA VISIT
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been invited to South Africa by a number of universities and organizations including Stellenbosch University. the Tutu Centre and the Mahatma Gandhi Trust to give public talks, deliver Bishop Tutu's 80th Birth Anniversary Inaugural Lecture and to receive the Mahatma Gandhi Intemational Award for Peace and Reconciliation.
His holiness was scheduled to visit South Africa from October 6th to October 14, 2011. Accordingly, the visa application for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the entourage members were submitted to the South African High Commission in New Delhi at the end of August and original passports were submitted on September 20th, over two weeks ago.
His Holiness was to depart for South Africa on October 6th but visas have not been granted yet. We are, therefore, now convinced that for whatever reason or reasons, the South African government finds it inconvenient to Issue visa to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
His Holiness travels around the world to promote human values, religious harmony, world peace, and compassion: principles that form the core of his communications and interactions everywhere. And in doing so, His Holiness does not want to create any inconveniences to anyone, individuals or governments.
His Holiness has thus decided to caIl off his upcoming visit to South Africa. And he regrets the inconveniences caused to his hosts and the large number of South African public who were keenly waiting to receive him and hear his message.
Statement issued by Tempa Tsering, spokesperson for the Dalai Lama, October 2 2011
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