EFF leader Julius Malema faces visa ban in UK amid controversial statements
The EFF condemned the decision as politically motivated, saying Malema's words were misrepresented and that neither he nor the party would compromise their beliefs for a visa.
The United Kingdom has refused to renew the visa of Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), citing concerns over his alleged support for extremist groups.
In a letter dated June 17, the UK Home Office pointed to Malema's public endorsements of Hamas and Hezbollah amidst their conflicts with Israel as grounds for the decision.
Malema, known for his outspoken rhetoric, faced previous controversies including remarks perceived as inciting violence against white South Africans and contentious statements about armed struggle.
The decision, communicated through an official letter, referenced Malema's public address outside the Israeli Embassy in October 2023, where he pledged support for Hamas and advocated for their military empowerment against Israel.
The Home Office highlighted a subsequent EFF statement in April 2024, reiterating support for armed resistance by Hamas and Hezbollah in Palestine.
Additionally, the UK authorities pointed to Malema's remarks during a 2022 court appearance where he defended his rhetoric against white South Africans, stating that his statements were expressions of frustration rather than literal calls to violence.
The EFF has strongly criticized the UK's decision, labeling it as politically motivated and an infringement on Malema's freedom of expression. They argued that Malema's statements have been misinterpreted and misrepresented, particularly his stance on the rights of Palestinians in their struggle against what he terms "apartheid Israel.
"In response to the visa denial, EFF reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and condemned what it perceives as the UK's attempt to silence dissenting voices. The party emphasized that Malema's statements have been taken out of context, citing previous legal rulings in South Africa that did not find him guilty of incitement to violence.
Malema, unable to appeal the decision, faces a restriction on future visa applications unless accompanied by significant new evidence to overturn the Home Office's assessment.
