‘It doesn’t change price of bread’: SA minister unbothered by US visa threats
The minister has addressed concerns that have risen after the revocation of ex-Cabinet member Naledi Pandor’s US visa.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says South Africa’s Cabinet members are not losing sleep over the possibility of having their visas revoked by the United States.
Ntshavheni – speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday, 23 November 2025 – said despite the diplomatic incidents, there are no significant tensions between South Africa and the US.
The minister was weighing on the US’s decision to revoke former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor’s visa. Ntshavheni noted that Pandor is no longer a member of Cabinet and stressed that the matter would be handled by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Last week, Pandor said she had received a brief email from the US Consulate notifying her of the cancellation, but no reasons were given for the decision.
It’s fine, says Presidency minister over revocation threats
“If they revoke whoever, like any other country when they decide you come in, give you a visa or not give you a visa, it doesn’t change the price of bread,” said Ntshavheni.
“Even if they revoke my visa, it’s fine. I would not go to the US.”
Ntshavheni pointed out that the majority of South African Cabinet ministers only travel to the US for United Nations (UN) meetings in New York, infrequently requiring visas for other state or business visits.
Ramaphosa defended amid US visa threats
Ntshavheni also addressed criticism directed at President Cyril Ramaphosa by US officials following the summit, including remarks made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
On Friday, Leavitt accused Ramaphosa of “running his mouth” after he spoke publicly about the US change in participation plans for the G20 summit.
Ntshavheni said: “We are bigger than that. President Ramaphosa demonstrated to the world that he is a leader among leaders.”
She highlighted the success of the summit, noting Ramaphosa’s “sterling leadership” ensured consensus on all matters and pushed the African agenda to the top.
Addressing fears that visa denials could obstruct South Africa’s participation in future G20 summits, Ntshavheni said that if the US wished to exclude them, they would need to inform the other 19 members.