Cape Town: Tibet issue was raised in the chambers of the South African Parliament earlier this month by Honorable Member of Parliament Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Inkatha Freedom Party.

MP M Hlengwa highlighted in his five-minute speech the atrocious human rights violations committed by the Chinese government in restive Tibet and demanded that the South African government must prioritise human dignity, freedom, and justice before economic ties with China. Calling China a “big bully”, the MP warned that South Africa must not neglect China’s human rights abuses and follow the example of India who stood up and gave honour to the Dalai Lama.

Donning a traditional Tibetan shirt, MP Hlengwa said: “I had the privilege of attending the Tibet day (celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday) in Pretoria which was hosted by his office (Office of Tibet, South Africa) here in South Africa. The shirt I am wearing was given to me then as a reminder that we as south of Africa, the land of the free should be a refuge of those who are world oppressed.”

He urged that South Africa must reflect and reconsider its decision to not grant a visa to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness 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 spoke.

“As we speak about Western Sahara which I support you fully, Minister and the issue of Isreal and Palestine in ensuring a lasting solution, the two-state solution, we agree with you, Minister.”

“Equally Minister, we must speak about the big bully China and it’s One-China policy and what it is doing and wreaking havoc for the people of the Tibet and Taiwan who themselves also want their freedom and democracy.”

“India was able to stand up and gave home to the Dalai Lama. We too South Africa must be able to trade with China without negating our human right outlook,” said Honorable Mr. M Hlengwa.

“In conclusion, we must also prioritize climate change and adapt and develop resilient to the same. And we must stand against human rights abuses wherever they may occur in the world. South Africa must be a leading light not only to the continent but also upon the global stage in respect of the advancement of human rights and condemnation of the abuses thereof.”

The Inkatha Freedom Party has hosted the President of Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay twice in the country. President Dr Sangay first visited the country in February 2018 at the invitation of the Inkatha Freedom Party led by His Excellency Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. He visited again in February this year.

Mr. Mkhuleko Hlengwa is Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Member of the South African Parliament, serving on the Portfolio Committees on Economic Development and Sport & Recreation according to his Linkedin description.