The UK Home Office has denied entry to South African opposition MP Julius Malema, citing his vocal support for Hamas and statements calling for the slaughter of white people in South Africa. In a letter to Malema’s party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the Home Office said Malema had been deemed “non-conducive to the public good” and that it was “undesirable” to grant him entry.
The EFF has condemned the decision as “cowardice”, saying it would stifle democratic debate. The party added that the UK had distorted Malema’s views on how the “genuine frustrations of Africans who are excluded [from the economy] at the behest of a white minority may lead to social violence and resistance” in South Africa. Malema and the party would not “trade” their “revolutionary beliefs in exchange for a visa”, the EFF said, adding, “The UK and all of its allies can keep their visas, and we will keep our Africa and a commitment to support the oppressed of the world, especially the Palestinian people”.
Malema’s EFF party advocates for the nationalization of white-owned land in South Africa to address the legacy of colonialism and apartheid. This stance has drawn criticism, including from US President Donald Trump, who played a video featuring Malema singing “Shoot to kill” and “Kill the Boer” during a visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House. However, South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has ruled that the lyrics do not amount to hate speech, but rather a “provocative way” of advancing the EFF’s political agenda.
This is the second time Malema has been denied entry to the UK. The first time, the UK government said he had submitted his application too late, but this time, a British official in South Africa told the BBC it was a “substantive decision”. The Home Office said Malema has no right of appeal and would likely be denied any future applications.
The decision to ban Malema has sparked debate, with some critics welcoming the move and others arguing that he is being targeted for expressing uncomfortable views. South Africa’s unemployment rate has risen to 33%, with black people being worst-affected, which has contributed to the EFF’s growing support base among young people who believe more radical action is needed to tackle racial inequality and injustices.
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