Desmond Tutu Says ANC Government Worse Than Apartheid Regime Over Dalai Lama Visa Flap

"Our government is worse than the apartheid government because at least you would expect it with the apartheid government," Tutu raged at a press conference for South African reporters.

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"Our government we expect to be sensitive to the sentiments of our constitution."

He further warned the ruling party: "Let the ANC know they have a large majority. Well, [former Egyptian leader] Mubarak had a large majority, [former Libyan leader] Gadhafi had a large majority. I am warning you: watch out. Watch out.”

Referring to China’s brutal occupation of Tibet, Tutu railed: "Our government – representing me! – says it will not support Tibetans being viciously oppressed by China. You, president Zuma and your government, do not represent me. I am warning you, as I warned the [pro-apartheid] nationalists, one day we will pray for the defeat of the ANC government."

Tutu seemed to take the government’s refusal to grant a visa to the Tibetan leader personally.

"I have to say I can't believe it, I really can't believe it," he told the conference of reporters.

"Wake me up and tell me this is actually happening here. It's quite unbelievable. The discourtesy they have shown to the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama! The Dalai Lama, anywhere in the world, they have problems finding a venue that can contain the people who want him. He goes to New York and Central Park is overflowing. The discourtesy is mind-blowing."

The former Nobel Peace Prize laureate said he believes that the South African government has effectively banned the Dalai Lama from the country.

"Many, many people are appalled in many parts of the world, especially people who supported us during the struggle. They are weeping and saying, 'South Africa? It can't be.'"

In response to Tutu’s diatribe, the ruling ANC told the archbishop to relax.