Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has publicly criticised British authorities after being denied a visa to attend and speak at the prestigious Cambridge Africa Together Conference. The event, hosted by the African Society of Cambridge University, was set to feature Malema as a keynote speaker.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Malema expressed outrage after receiving the visa denial just four hours before his scheduled departure from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
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“The British authorities have denied me a visa to London for the Cambridge Conference this weekend, providing no substantial justification. It is clear to me that this is an attempt to silence a dissenting political perspective,” he wrote. “This is unacceptable and spineless.”
EFF Condemns UK Decision, Cites Western Imperialism
The EFF released a scathing statement in response, accusing the UK of using bureaucracy to suppress political opposition and silence critiques of colonialism.
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“This is nothing more than an expression of bureaucratic process being used to suppress political dissent and to ban the voices of the EFF from building global solidarity against Western imperialism,” said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo.
The party argued that Malema’s vocal criticism of the British monarchy, its colonial past, and its support of global injustices—including the war in Iraq and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians—was the real reason behind the visa denial.
“This bureaucratic ban is a response to the condemnation by the CIC of bloodthirsty murderers such as former British prime minister Tony Blair,” Thambo added.
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The EFF further claimed Malema had intended to visit Queen Elizabeth II’s grave, calling it a symbolic gesture to confirm her death as a step toward justice and healing for colonized nations.
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AfriForum Applauds Move, Cites “Kill the Boer” Controversy
While the EFF sees the denial as politically motivated censorship, AfriForum sees it as a win. The lobby group’s CEO, Kallie Kriel, welcomed the UK’s decision, saying it was a step toward holding Malema accountable for alleged incitement.
“Great news. This is only the beginning,” Kriel said. “AfriForum is intensifying its international campaign, calling on the global community to take punitive action against Malema for inciting violence against Afrikaners and farmers with the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant.”
Although South African courts have ruled in favor of the EFF regarding the controversial chant, AfriForum has continued pushing for international pressure, arguing the local judiciary and leadership have failed to act.
“To ensure that Malema cannot act with impunity, international intervention is now necessary,” Kriel concluded.
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