Julius Malema, a South African politician, claimed that the British government barred him from entry to prevent his participation at a University of Cambridge conference.
Malema, who leads the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, stated he received a notification about his visa denial just hours before his planned departure from South Africa on Wednesday for the event at the historic university.
He suggested that this action was an “attempt to silence the opposing political perspective,” arguing that his presence could lend “substantial legitimacy,” and he described the situation as “unacceptable and unthorny.”
In a statement, the EFF strongly criticized the British High Commission for mishandling visa applications, particularly concerning Malema. They argued that this bureaucratic action aims to suppress the EFF’s voice in the political arena and curb efforts towards global solidarity against Western imperialism.
The EFF also indicated that this decision was possibly a reaction to British critics regarding its historical involvement in colonial abuses, highlighting the monarchy’s role in the slave trade and its stance on Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
The Communist Party also asserted that blocking Malema’s entry signifies the persistent influence of the British monarchy over politics, claiming that they were still affected by the EFF’s past criticisms of Queen Elizabeth after her passing in 2022.
Malema mentioned his intent to visit the Queen’s grave during his trip, feeling it necessary to acknowledge the pain caused to Africa and ensure that the figure behind it had indeed passed away, hoping for justice and peace for his people.
The EFF leader was scheduled to address the 11th Annual Cambridge African Conference at an event discussing “The Future of African Presidents.”
According to the BBC, a letter from the UK’s Home Office indicated that Malema’s visa wasn’t processed due to “the unfortunate timing of recent British bank holidays.” Reportedly, South Africa’s British High Commissioner, Anthony Phillipson, wished to personally apologize to Malema for the situation.
Malema often faces backlash for his provocative rhetoric towards white individuals, including his performance of the song “Kilzabore, the Farmers,” which references South Africa’s Anglo-Dutch white heritage. Supporters argue it’s merely an anti-apartheid anthem, while critics say it incites further violence against African farmers.
Since the early 1990s, thousands have experienced attacks, with hundreds murdered.
In February, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an order that opened refugee status for African farmers amidst concerns over expropriation laws enacted by the left-leaning South African government.
