I taught in a government school in the early 90s. I asked the Arch to speak at our school but the Department of Education refused to give permission. We listened and watched the Arch speaking on video instead. A creative solution at the time. Ironic how similar the picture looks 20 years later. The technology has changed; but I see the same creative idea is being used. I learnt back then that it is better to listen to people than to silence them.

@ Karen - well put! You would think he's the only one that's turned 80.... Maybe this Exiled Tibetan is the only one attending his "big bash" LOL

@ Karen - well put! You would think he's the only one that's turned 80.... Maybe this Exiled Tibetan is the only one attending his "big bash" LOL

i fail to understand why the government for which i voted and still will vote mismanage their mandate. the president in particular fails to bring us into his confidence on many occasions. maybe we should pray that he be removed by juju.

@Karen, Its simply about principle , that our own government doesn't have it own mouth or guts. Its like your mom telling you , you cant invite Mr. A to your 30th because your neighbor wont like it

It takes a minimum of four weeks to process a visa application and his holiness admitted to only sending the complete application on the 200911. The arch should just chill and get his story straight

@Karen, you seem to have nothing to do all day but add your 2c worth on all the stories. Keep your mouth shut, and get on with your life. Bloody agent.

@Karen... whho exactly are you to call a respected man of the cloth, and elder, an “imbecile”. your parents didn't teach you any manners, you little TWERP!

TUTU was overreacting ...he is the one who invited Dalai Lama late to HIS PARTY TO disgrace the ANC and the government...WHY did Dalai Lama cancelled the trip , he should have waited until he gets the reply from our government then he can decide whether to cancel or not .This was planned to disgrace or discredit our country. I used to respect TUTU but now with all his hatred and revenge ...He is not a row-model anymore, but a hypocrite... WE CANT AS A COUNTRY SACRIFICE A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA FOR US FOR A MARE PARTY INVITE FOR Dalai Lama ...WE SHOULD ALWAYS CONSIDER OUR COUNTRIES BEST INTEREST BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.

So, it is clear that it is not as claimed just a private birthday party, am I right? So do not misleading people, he want give his support for DL, and provide a platform for DL, that is it.

If a person lives in a country where she just hates 80% of the population based on the colour of their skin, she should just emigrate. It really is just a miserable existence. Why subject yourself to that. Just go.

@Karen - better you should switch your mind ON before touching keyboard in future. @arch - great idea at least it will work in RSA without Chinese interference.

There you go again. Stop. Really.

@Karen, it is a matter of principle and I support Tutu in this regard.

i think this guy he forgets that he is old and sometimes we may differ with his old ideas

Me wants to know: what happened to the other invitees? Perhaps tata wants be elected president?

Please people! come on. Desmond Tutu has made the following comments: 1) Whites should be taxed more 2) Mugabe is a dictator and mugabe's response was “He is an angry, evil and embittered little bishop,” 3) Pray for the ANC to lose and likening this country to Egypt and Libya???!! and many more comments. Looking at all these comments, makes me really wonder if this is not a matter of old age or perhaps someone who has assumed a supreme role upon all South Africans. Have you asked the ordinary South african dwelling in Shacks what they think about Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu? Please do before you start throwing your weight and bullying people into doing what you like. The Dalai Lama is honoured elsewhere and certainly not here, he is a celebrity where he accepted as one. Visa applications go thgrough a process and I dont think the process should be shortened because Mr Tutu's friend is in town. I know of a co-worker who's nephew tragically passed away in the UK and he will only get his Visa in 21 days, this is a British process. South Africa also has a process to follow. If South Africa feels it is in the best interest of the country and its investments not to allow the Dalai Lama entry so be it, the duty of out government is for the well being of it's citizens. I wouldnt mind even if the Government stalled the application process by asking for irrelevant information such as shoe and shirt size.

Geez, enough already - who gives a toss about the bald dude in pyjamas

@ Karen - So only the youth should have knowledge of technology? What an assanine comment "What does this old imbecile know about a video link" - Of course ANC Government supporting Gaddafi and Mugabe who oppressed their people...all Africans mind you (even if different cultures and beliefs, still African people) Wow I guess that's fine, whenever they want to enter South Africa the ANC eagerly complies. - BTW the Apartheid rule..guess you would of loved people of colour to get over that too?

What's the obsession with the Dalai Lama anyway. Just move on with yo life old man