Julius Malema denied UK Visa for Cambridge speech calls it political suppression

Johannesburg – South Africa’s outspoken opposition leader, Julius Malema, was barred from traveling to the UK to deliver a lecture at Cambridge University after his visa application was unexpectedly rejected just hours before departure.

Malema, who heads the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was set to speak at the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference, organized by the University’s African Society. But while waiting at OR Tambo International Airport, he received a “regret letter” indicating his visa would not be processed in time.

He immediately condemned the decision as a politically motivated move aimed at stifling dissenting voices, suggesting the UK government feared his criticism of colonialism, Western foreign policy, and the British monarchy. He described the denial as “unacceptable and spineless” and “an attempt to silence a dissenting political perspective”.

Reasons Given for the Denial

Official Explanation: The UK’s High Commissioner in South Africa, Antony Phillipson, apologized, citing internal processing delays and recent UK bank holidays. The Home Office reportedly failed to finalize Malema’s visa in time .

EFF Response: Party spokesperson Sinawo Thambo called it a bureaucratic ban and evidence of “imperialism” attempting to silence the EFF.

Political Ramifications

Malema, a fierce advocate for reparations and the nationalization of land, and a staunch critic of Western policy—especially on Gaza and the Ukraine conflict—challenged the UK’s decision as politically steeped. He asserted the denial highlights Western hypocrisy:

“They denied me a visa because I can’t be bought… You don’t stop disagreement with visas. That is cowardice.”

Meanwhile, AfriForum, a civil-rights group, applauded the visa denial, citing Malema’s history of inciting the “Kill the Boer” chant and labeling it a blow against hate speech.

Despite the setback, the EFF confirmed they will reapply, viewing the incident as part of a broader ongoing political struggle.

Visa Fee Refund

The High Commission said Malema and his delegation could have their visa fees refunded.

This event follows a similar visa denial to Mandla Mandela in October 2024, raising concerns of political bias in UK visa processes. It sparks fresh debate over freedom of expression, hate speech regulation, and international diplomatic influence.

Malema’s blocked visit sparks a broader debate: should activists be free to cross borders and speak their minds, even when their words challenge global power structures?