AP

In its assessment of its second blunder involving the Nobel peace laureate, the Dalai Lama, the Zuma administration must weigh the damage of irking trade partner China against the reputational loss it has suffered.

Officials can finesse it as much as they will, but no amount of explanation or argument will counter the impression of a government that caved in to China’s wishes; and sacrificed its fierce independence in the process.

The government sought to look unhurried and strong in considering the Tibetan spiritual leader’s application for a visa. In saying it would be treated like any other visa application from India, it wanted to appear unfazed by this request from a global figure.

Instead it showed weakness, an inability to deal with tricky situations. And its credibility has slumped. What is the use now, then, of assurances that a decision was only hours away and that he might well have been allowed into South Africa – a country he has previously visited three times? And a decision three days before he was due here?

It was to have been a trip to celebrate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s 80th birthday, and to deliver a peace lecture. The government could have treated it as just that, a private visit, without any red carpet, official recognition or meetings with any of them.

Tutu’s fury was deserved. His description of a disgrace was fitting. It was shameful, an embarrassment – refuting an assurance by the International Relations minister two years ago about any future visit by the holy man.

“Who is the Dalai Lama?” officials seemed to be saying in pointing out that his visa request was in the queue. No doubt the government will learn its cost, and the country’s. He is a special figure, whether China believes it or not.

It is distasteful to know from this episode that while the government has previously stood firm on principle, it has a price.