South African opposition leader Julius Malema has strongly criticized the UK after being denied a visa in time to attend a major conference at the University of Cambridge on May 10. Malema, known for his outspoken anti-colonial views and leadership of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), accused British authorities of suppressing “a dissenting political perspective.”
According to Malema, the UK government failed to provide any “substantial justification” for the delay. He believes the move was a calculated attempt to prevent him from addressing the university's Africa Together Conference, organized by its African Society.
The UK’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson, acknowledged in a leaked letter that the Home Office did not process the visa application in time. He personally apologized, citing delays caused by required administrative steps and the timing of recent UK public holidays, including one on May 5.
“I recognise that this will be deeply disappointing,” Phillipson wrote, noting the EFF delegation had paid for priority service and applied well in advance. He also confirmed that the visa fee would be refunded.
Despite earlier assurances, Malema said on social media platform X that the delegation received a “regret letter just hours before our departure,” calling the decision “unacceptable and spineless.”
While the UK Home Office declined to comment on the specific case, the situation has sparked wider discussions about freedom of speech, diplomatic protocol, and the accessibility of international platforms to African political voices.
Julius Malema’s blocked visit to the UK underscores the tensions between global political discourse and bureaucratic systems. Whether accidental or intentional, the delay has drawn sharp criticism and reignited debates on how African dissenting voices are treated on the world stage. As global conversations about decolonization and justice continue, ensuring access to international platforms for all viewpoints remains a pressing concern.
