(TibetanReview.net, Jul26’19) – Applauding the government for its pro-human rights stand on the Western Sahara as well as the Israel-Palestine issues, South African Parliament member Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa has on Jul 11 called on Pretoria to have the courage to speak up on the situation in Tibet under Chinese rule as well.
During his five-minute presentation in parliament, the Inkatha Freedom Party member has called on his government to prioritize human dignity, freedom and justice before economic ties with China.
He has called China a “big bully” and urged the Cyril Ramaphosa government not to neglect its human rights abuses.
Dressed in a traditional Tibetan shirt as he spoke, Hlengwa has said South Africa must reflect and reconsider its decision not to grant a visa for Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
“We must reflect, therefore, on the decisions we took not to grant a visa to the Dalai Lama as a reminder that we should never walk away from Human Rights,” he was quoted as saying.
The Inkatha Freedom Party founded by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is one of few outspoken supporters of the Tibet issue among the political parties in South African whose ruling African National Congress maintains close ties with China.