Julius Malema Denied UK Visa for Conference

Background

South African firebrand opposition politician Julius Malema has been denied a visa to attend a conference in the UK on 10 May. Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, is known for his outspoken views against what he sees as “Western imperialism” and his advocacy for the nationalisation of white-owned land in South Africa.

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Visa Denial

Malema expressed his disappointment at the UK’s decision, stating that he believes there is no “substantial justification” for the denial of his visa. He sees it as an attempt to silence dissenting political perspectives.

• Malema was invited to speak at the University of Cambridge on 10 May by the African Society as part of the Africa Together Conference.
• The UK High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, cited the inability of the Home Office to process Malema’s visa application in time for his trip.
• The EFF accused the High Commission of deliberately delaying the processing of Malema’s visa to prevent him from attending the conference.

Response from UK High Commissioner

In a leaked letter to Malema’s deputy, Antony Phillipson apologized for the delay in processing the visa application, attributing it to the necessary steps involved in considering visa applications and the timing of recent UK Bank Holidays.

Phillipson expressed his personal interest in the issue and acknowledged the disappointment caused by the visa denial. He also confirmed that the application fee would be refunded.

Malema’s Reaction

Malema took to social media to express his frustration, stating that the EFF delegation had been assured that everything would be sorted, only to receive a “regret letter” just hours before their departure. He described the situation as “unacceptable and spineless.”

Public Holiday Impact

The UK had a public holiday on 5 May, which may have contributed to delays in processing visa applications during that period.

Conclusion

The denial of Julius Malema’s UK visa has sparked controversy and raised questions about the transparency and efficiency of the visa application process. Malema’s supporters see it as a deliberate attempt to silence his political views, while others attribute it to bureaucratic delays. The incident highlights the challenges faced by politicians seeking to participate in international events and engage with global audiences.