A diplomatic row has erupted between Pretoria and London after South Africa’s failure to process visa applications for British cricket fans ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The UK Foreign Office issued an unusually blunt statement, accusing South African authorities of ‘incompetence’ and ‘a dereliction of duty’ that has left hundreds of supporters unable to travel to the tournament.
The crisis, which unfolded over the past week, saw British applicants facing weeks of delays despite assurances from the South African High Commission that processing times would be expedited. Many fans reported being told their passports would be returned only days before their scheduled departures, with some still awaiting visas after the tournament’s start on Thursday.
The UK’s condemnation marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two nations, which have historically enjoyed close ties. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: ‘We are deeply disappointed by the failure of South African authorities to honour their commitments. This incompetence has caused distress and financial loss to British citizens. We expect immediate action to rectify the situation.’
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs defended its handling of the situation, blaming a surge in applications and technical glitches. Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said: ‘We regret the inconvenience caused, but our systems were overwhelmed. The UK’s rhetoric is unhelpful and does not reflect the reality of our efforts.’
The World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, is a major sporting event. South Africa’s reputation as a reliable host for international events has been called into question. The incident echoes past visa debacles, including delays during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which were largely managed without public diplomatic friction.
British travel operators and cricket clubs have expressed outrage. One agent, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: ‘We have clients who paid thousands of pounds for packages. They are now stranded. This is a national embarrassment for South Africa.’
The UK is considering a formal complaint to the South African government and may review travel advisories. The incident could also affect South Africa’s bid to host future global events, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Experts warn that the row underscores deeper challenges in South Africa’s public administration. Dr. Thandi Ndlovu, a governance analyst at the University of Cape Town, said: ‘This is not just a visa problem. It reflects systemic capacity issues. The government must address these if it wants to be taken seriously on the international stage.’
As the tournament proceeds, the focus will remain on whether South Africa can salvage its reputation. For now, the UK’s harsh criticism leaves little diplomatic room for manoeuvre.
