Julius Malema, leader of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), expressed his frustration after being denied a visa to attend the Cambridge Conference this weekend in the UK.
In a post on his X account on Wednesday, Malema argued that the denial was not only unfair, but also an attempt to suppress the political voices that oppose it.
Or, Malema, who was preparing to board a flight at Tambo International Airport, expressed shock that she would receive a “letter of regret” from British authorities hours before her scheduled departure.
“The UK authorities have refused a visa to London this weekend due to the Cambridge Conference and have not provided any substantial justification. It is clear to me that this is an attempt to silence the opposing political perspectives,” he said.
He added that staff has guaranteed that visa issues will be resolved by 3:30pm.
In his statement, Malema denies visa denials as “unacceptably unthorny,” suggesting a broader pattern of political silencing targeting those who challenge the status quo.
The Cambridge Conference, which Malema will be speaking to, is known for focusing on a variety of discourses and looming discussions on global issues.
November 2024, Botswana lifted the travel ban on Malema before President Dumas Boko took office.
President Boko has removed Malema's name from the list of individuals prohibited from entering Botswana, including former EFF Vice President Floyd Shivanbu and businessman Bridget Radebe.
Malema was banned from entering Botswana in 2011 after making a faint comment on former Botswana president Ian Kama.
At the time, Malema was the leader of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League in his speech, criticising the Kama government for labeling it as a doll regime.
He added that the ANC Youth League is intended to establish a command team in Botswana. This would address all Botswana opposition to “opposition to Botswana's puppet regime, led by the Botswana Democrats.”
The Lead Beret leader even threatened a possible coup to overthrow the Kama government. Due to the diplomatic rift caused by these comments, Malema's visa was restricted by the Botswana government, preventing him from entering the country.
Malema's ouster from the ANC in 2012 was because he threatened to bring about a change of government in Botswana.
(Email protection)
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