Malema's rejection comes days before a key conference, stirring controversy and frustration among his supporters.
Julius Malema Denied UK Visa, Calls It Political Move
Julius Malema Denied UK Visa, Calls It Political Move
The South African political leader decries UK visa denial as an attack on dissenting views.
South African opposition leader, Julius Malema, has publicly condemned the UK for denying him a visa to attend the Africa Together Conference at the University of Cambridge on May 10. Malema asserted that the denial lacks "substantial justification" and is an effort to "silence dissenting political perspectives." A leaked letter from the UK High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, indicated that the Home Office was unable to process Malema's visa application in time, attributing the delay to recent UK Bank Holidays.
As the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Malema is known for his outspoken criticism of Western powers and advocates for the nationalization of resources in South Africa. The EFF accused the High Commission of deliberately delaying the approval of Malema's visa, which prevented him from participating in the scheduled conference.
Phillipson's letter acknowledged the disappointment resulting from the visa issue and confirmed that the Home Office would refund the application fee. However, Malema expressed his frustration on social media, asserting that they had been assured the visa would be resolved, only to receive a regretful notification shortly before their planned departure. Malema described the situation as "unacceptable and spineless." The incident raises further questions about the relationship between South Africa and Western nations amid ongoing tensions over political viewpoints.
As the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Malema is known for his outspoken criticism of Western powers and advocates for the nationalization of resources in South Africa. The EFF accused the High Commission of deliberately delaying the approval of Malema's visa, which prevented him from participating in the scheduled conference.
Phillipson's letter acknowledged the disappointment resulting from the visa issue and confirmed that the Home Office would refund the application fee. However, Malema expressed his frustration on social media, asserting that they had been assured the visa would be resolved, only to receive a regretful notification shortly before their planned departure. Malema described the situation as "unacceptable and spineless." The incident raises further questions about the relationship between South Africa and Western nations amid ongoing tensions over political viewpoints.
