South African opposition leader and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) president Julius Malema has been denied a visa to the United Kingdom, where he was scheduled to attend a political conference on May 10.
Malema, known for his fiery anti-colonial rhetoric and firm stance against what he calls “Western imperialism,” disclosed the denial, calling it a deliberate move by the UK to block a radical African voice from the international stage.
“This is not a logistical delay, it’s a political statement,” Malema said during a press briefing in Johannesburg. “They want to silence a perspective that challenges Western dominance, colonial legacies, and global inequality. The UK has no substantial justification for this decision.”
A leaked letter from UK High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, addressed to EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, cited delays at the Home Office and stated that Malema’s application could not be processed in time for his trip. The letter did not elaborate further on the cause of the delay or provide assurances of future support.
The visa denial has drawn strong reactions from EFF supporters and some political analysts who view it as part of a broader pattern of Western gatekeeping in global political discourse. Many argue that the move reflects discomfort with Malema’s increasing international visibility and the rise of African leftist movements challenging global power structures.
Malema, who has frequently criticised the UK and other former colonial powers for their role in Africa’s economic and social inequalities, has long championed the redistribution of land in South Africa—particularly land still owned by white South Africans. His position, though popular among certain grassroots movements, has drawn criticism both domestically and abroad.
The United Kingdom has yet to issue an official public statement regarding the visa denial.
Despite the setback, Malema vowed to continue engaging with global audiences and said the incident only “proves the urgency of decolonising not only our countries, but also the global stage.”
As the EFF gears up for upcoming elections and continues to push its pan-Africanist and socialist agenda, this visa row may become a new rallying point for supporters and a symbol of resistance against perceived Western interference.
