CAPE TOWN. The South African Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, has sharply criticised British authorities over what he described as a “shambolic” visa process that left hundreds of ticket-holding fans stranded ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Speaking at a press conference in Pretoria, Motsoaledi accused the UK Foreign Office of failing to process applications in a timely manner, causing diplomatic friction between the two nations.
“We are dealing with a system that has collapsed,” Motsoaledi said. “People who have spent thousands of rand on tickets and travel cannot get the basic documentation to enter the United Kingdom. This is unacceptable.” The minister added that his department had received numerous complaints from South African citizens who had applied for visas weeks in advance and were still awaiting decisions as match days approached.
The UK Foreign Office, however, has pushed back against allegations of negligence. In a statement released on Friday, a spokesperson said: “Our visa service is operating at full capacity, and we have processed a record number of applications for this tournament. Any delays are regrettable but are often due to incomplete applications or high demand. We are not responsible for ticketing issues.” The statement also noted that fans had been advised to apply early and to ensure all documentation was correct.
The dispute has highlighted the wider challenges of managing major sporting events across international borders. The Rugby World Cup, hosted by France but with matches in the UK, has drawn large numbers of South African supporters keen to see their team defend the title. Reports of fans being denied boarding at OR Tambo International Airport due to visa refusals or delays have surfaced in local media, amplifying the political fallout.
Analysts suggest that the row could strain bilateral ties, though both sides have expressed a desire to resolve the issue. The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation has reportedly raised the matter with the British High Commission in Pretoria. Motsoaledi has called for an urgent review of the visa system, warning that the situation risks damaging South Africa’s confidence in the UK as a host nation.
Meanwhile, the ticketing chaos has independent roots. The UK Foreign Office explicitly stated that it does not manage ticket sales, pointing to World Rugby as the responsible body. However, the intersection of visa delays and ticket availability has created a perfect storm for affected fans. Many are now facing the prospect of watching matches on television despite holding valid tickets.
The UK’s Home Office, which oversees visa policy, has not yet commented directly on the minister’s remarks. But official figures show that UK visa processing times have increased by an average of 15 percent since the pandemic, with some categories taking over 30 working days. For the World Cup, temporary measures were introduced to expedite applications, though these appear to have had limited effect.
South Africa’s opposition parties have seized on the issue, accusing the government of not doing enough to protect citizens abroad. The Democratic Alliance called for a full parliamentary inquiry into the visa delays, while the Economic Freedom Fighters demanded that the UK issue visas on arrival for South African passport holders.
As the tournament progresses, the pressure on both governments to find a solution is mounting. For now, thousands of fans remain in limbo, forced to navigate a bureaucratic maze while their teams take the pitch.
