NAIROBI, Kenya — The United Kingdom has declined to renew the visa of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader Julius Malema, citing his public support for Hamas and what it described as “extremist” rhetoric.
In a letter dated June 17, the UK Home Office informed Malema that his presence in Britain was “not conducive to the public good,” pointing to statements he made in support of armed resistance by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel, as well as inflammatory remarks on race relations in South Africa.
Key to the decision was Malema’s October 2023 speech outside the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria, just weeks after the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel.
In the speech, Malema declared that if the EFF came to power in 2024, it would “arm Hamas” and “make sure Hamas got the necessary equipment to fight for their freedom.”
The UK government also cited social media posts by the EFF in October 2023 and April 2024 endorsing what it called “the armed struggle” of both Hamas and Hezbollah.
These statements, the Home Office said, amounted to support for groups it considers terrorist organisations.
Additionally, the visa denial referenced Malema’s comments during a February 2022 hearing at the South African Equality Court.
When asked to commit to never repeating the phrase “slaughter of white people,” Malema replied: “I cannot guarantee the future. I am not a prophet.”
The UK letter flagged this as evidence of conduct and character inconsistent with British values.
“No appeal rights are afforded in this case,” the letter stated, adding that any future visa applications would only be reviewed if accompanied by “compelling new evidence.”
Official Letter from UK Home Office Denying CIC Julius Malema Visa Application
The EFF has condemned the UK’s decision as a politically motivated attempt to silence a prominent African voice on global affairs.
“For a nation that preaches its commitment to democracy, the UK has revealed itself as an intolerant bully,” the party said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) Thursday. “The UK and all of its allies can keep their visas—we will keep our Africa and our commitment to support the oppressed of the world, especially the Palestinian people.”
The party also accused the UK of misrepresenting Malema’s record, noting that the South African Equality Court had not found his statements to be incitement to violence or genocide.
The EFF defended its leader’s views as part of a “revolutionary stance” in solidarity with oppressed people worldwide.
Malema, a vocal critic of Western foreign policy and a fierce advocate for African self-determination, has long attracted controversy both at home and abroad.
His barring from the UK comes amid heightened scrutiny over political rhetoric tied to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
