the Dalai Lama being denied a visa to visit SA on three occasions, most recently in 2014 when he was due to attend theOutraged fellow participants told Tutu they would cancel their appearances if the Dalai Lama was not granted a visa.
While the international relations department confirmed the SA high commission in India had received a visa application from the Dalai Lama's office, the application was turned down. Although it was never explicitly said, it is widely understood that China, which at the time was building stronger relations with SA, objected to the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit to SA.
The Dalai Lama, who was born in Tibet but sent into exile in 1959, has long campaigned for increased autonomy for his homeland which was annexed by China in 1951."We have lost a great man, who lived a truly meaningful life," he wrote in his condolence letter. "He was devoted to the service of others, especially those who are least fortunate. I am convinced the best tribute we can pay him and keep his spirit alive is to do as he did and constantly look to see how we too can be of help to others.”