Commander in Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Julius Malema has received a public apology from the British High Commission in South Africa, Antony Philipson for the unresolved status of his visa application. This apology from the British High Commission follows a public rant by the controversial firebrand leader on X formerly Twitter. Malema was denied entry to the United Kingdom just hours before his scheduled flight to London. The EFF leader was to attend a conference at Cambridge University this weekend. No substantial justification was provided. The incident has stirred up mixed emotions drawing public scrutiny and condemnation, given the apparent lack of notice regarding the visa denial.
BREAKING NEWS: The letter that Antony Phillipson, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, sent to @EFFSouthAfrica Deputy President @GardeeGodrich informing him that they have denied @Julius_S_Malema a visa to London where he was going to speak at Cambridge University at… pic.twitter.com/nnRqZtMd2L
— Mzilikazi wa Afrika (@IamMzilikazi) May 7, 2025
In a letter made public by the EFF, High Commissioner Antony Phillipson expressed his regret regarding the timing of the UK bank holidays, which he claimed contributed to the inability to finalise Malema’s visa application. He noted that the EFF leader and his delegation had applied for their visas well in advance and had opted for priority processing, further complicating the situation when the outcome turned unfavourable. Phillipson’s correspondence offered clarity on the administrative delay and included a proposal to refund the application fees incurred.
However, he also made it clear that he lacks the ability to intervene in the decision-making process, leaving Malema without resolution at such a late stage. The EFF has condemned the visa denial as an orchestrated ban on Malema, framing the situation within the broader context of political dynamics in South Africa.
The controversy surrounding the reasons why Malema was denied the Visa Pass include among other things the firebrand politician (Malema) singing “kill the Boer, Kill the farmer” and his vocality concerning anti-colonial rhetoric directed against Britain. Malema is a charismatic socialist with authoritarian tendencies. Philipson may have dually issued the apology at the behest of his superiors in London to calm the situation. The British Foreign and Commonwealth and Home Offices may be looking to distance their country and in particular Cambridge University from being used as a platform by Malema to spread his far-left socialist message. Malema for his part is trying to increase the impact of his profile. He is seeking to increase his electoral fortunes like any other politician. Malema however still faces backlash on the home front over his support for disastrous policies of nationalization and land redistribution.
The British High Commissioner may know all to well that the current Labour government which is centre left, in Downing Street is opposed to Malema’s anti British and resentful anti-colonial tirades. Current British Prime Minister Keir Starmer(Labour Party) may also wish to protect the legacy of former Labour party leader and prime minister Tony Blair known for having been a key ally in the United States led war in Iraq. Malema has accused Blair of war crimes which is the truth.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
