The Dalai Lama's visit to South Africa

How dare the esteemed leaders of South Africa refuse the Dalai Lama a visa to visit the country this month. They are not only insulting a great and well loved man but also every follower of his in South Africa. What happened to the freedom of religion that our constitution promises, why are some South Africans allowed to welcome their religious leaders, but others not?
To many people of diverse religious beliefs the Dalai Lama signifies peace throughout the planet and what harm could be done by his blessing South Africa with a visit?
When our government does things like this it only shows the world what a small and behind times third world country South Africa is. No country, no matter how great or small a world leader it may be has the right to dictate to another over religious matters. Are our leaders not brave enough to face up to the Chinese and say butt out of the running of our country and tend only to matters of politics or trade between your country and ours.
If our leaders want and expect the world to respect them and South Africa as being an active leader in the world then they should start behaving as first world leaders should and not allow themselves to be dictated too.