The Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India and is at loggerheads with China over Tibet, had been hoping to join a Nobel peace conference in Cape Town on Oct. 13.

This is the third time South Africa has refused the Dalai Lama a visa in the last five years, according to his representative, and has intensified speculation about China’s influence over the country.

Williams, an American anti-landmine campaigner, and Iranian lawyer and human rights activist Ebadi said they were unhappy with South Africa’s decision, particularly given its history of fighting against apartheid.

Available: http://af.reuters.com/article/southAfricaNews/idAFL3N0RW2VO20141001