The United Kingdom (UK) has denied entry to South African opposition leader Julius Malema, saying his presence would “not be conducive to the public interest”, local media reported on Wednesday.
Malema, the 44-year-old leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a far-left, anti-capitalist party in South Africa, was reportedly denied a visa due to his controversial statements and political affiliations. According to News24, the UK Home Office, which obtained a copy of the letter, cited concerns about his conduct, including his apparent support for Hamas (a group banned in the UK), as the main reason for the refusal.
The letter reportedly referenced Malema’s past statements, including his refusal to disavow inflammatory rhetoric, such as calls for violence against white South Africans, during a 2022 trial. It was also highlighted that he appeared in a video used by former US President Donald Trump during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. In the footage, Malema is seen chanting controversial slogans and singing an anti-apartheid struggle song that Trump has used to support claims of “white genocide” in South Africa.
Malema and the EFF have long been notable for their radical policies, including land expropriation without compensation and the nationalisation of key industries. Despite their prominence in political discourse, the party came fourth in last year’s election with just 9.5% of the vote and has shown signs of waning support.
The UK Home Office concluded that Malema’s rhetoric, political connections and past behaviour made his presence in Britain undesirable.