EFF vows not to trade stance over UK Malema ban

THE EFF has condemned the UK's decision to deny its leader, Julius Malema, a visa, calling the move a blatant act of political censorship and “cowardice”.

- HOPE NTANZI

The party said it was “not surprised” by the UK Home Office’s confirmation that Malema’s visa application was denied due to his political views, particularly his support for Palestine and his stance on racial inequality in South Africa.

EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the UK had “effectively banned the president of the EFF due to his position on the genocide of the Palestinian people, his expressed support for the resistance movement fighting against the genocidal Israeli regime, as well as his and the EFF’s stance on racial inequality in South Africa.”

The party said Malema was initially invited to speak at Cambridge University in May 2025 but was barred from entry.

Thambo added that the UK “has suggested that all further applications by our president are likely to be denied unless he changes his posture on the issues which characterise him as a revolutionary.”