Spokesman : ` ` Not in South Africa 's interest for him ( Dalai Lama ) to attend '' `` We can not allow focus to shift to China and Tibet , '' Masebe said , adding that South Africa has gained much from its trading relationship with China . South Africa says it is worried focus will switch away from the World Cup . It added South Africa has gained much from its close relations with China . Fellow laureate Desmond Tutu said he would boycott the conference .
Spokesman : ` ` Not in South Africa 's interest for him ( Dalai Lama ) to attend '' South Africa says it is worried focus will switch away from the World Cup . It added South Africa has gained much from its close relations with China . Fellow laureate Desmond Tutu said he would boycott the conference .