Julius Malema denied UK visa ahead of conference, sparks EFF outrage
Julius Malema, the outspoken leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been denied a UK visa days before he was scheduled to speak at the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference at the University of Cambridge.
Malema took to social media to express his frustration, revealing that the British High Commission had failed to process his visa application in time. As a result, he was unable to travel to the UK and address students at the international event, which brings together African thought leaders, scholars, and activists.
The EFF issued a scathing statement condemning the delay, accusing the UK authorities of leveraging bureaucratic procedures for political ends.
“The United Kingdom is not only suppressing academic freedom by essentially banning the president of the EFF from travelling to the country but is engaged in an open declaration of war against those who dare to stand up to warmongers such as the British Monarchy,” the party said, referencing Britain’s colonial atrocities, particularly during the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya.
According to the EFF, Malema’s consistent criticism of Britain’s colonial past and modern-day foreign policy, especially his condemnations of former Prime Minister Tony Blair and the monarchy, may have led to the visa obstruction.
In remarks reported by SABC News, the EFF emphasised that this act not only silences political opposition but also undermines global academic exchange and free speech.
Apology
Meanwhile, the British High Commission in South Africa has issued an apology to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema after his UK visa application was not processed in time for his scheduled visit. According to the commission, the delay was due to the unfortunate timing of recent public holidays in the United Kingdom. In a letter made public by the EFF, British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson expressed regret over the failure of the UK Home Office to act promptly, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the missed engagement.
