The Congress of the People (Cope) has added its voice to the condemnation of Israel’s blocking Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande’s visit to Palestine. Nzimande – a vociferous critic of Israel and a supporter of Palestinian autonomy – was due to travel to Ramallah on Saturday to promote academic collaboration on research.“Regardless of his criticism of Israel on the Palestinian issue‚ Israel has violated his rights as a South African‚" Cope said in a statement.The decision of the Israeli government to deny Nzimande a visa‚ Cope said‚ “is a slap in the face for the whole of South Africa”.No explanation was reportedly given for why the visa was not granted.“Must South Africa take tit for tat action against Israeli citizens on the grounds that they are frustrating Palestinian aspirations for an autonomous and independent homeland?” the Cope statement read‚ adding that it supported a two-state solution to the problems there.“The denial of the visa is not a private matter. It affects relations between South Africa and Israel. Cope supports dialogue and a negotiated settlement.”The South African Communist Party (SACP) and the government on Thursday reacted with fury after Nzimande was denied the visa by Israel.The SACP‚ for which Nzimande serves as general secretary‚ said it was appalled by the Israeli government's decision...