South Africa: UK Denies MP Julius Malema Entry for Second Time
By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com South African opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Julius Malema has been denied entry to the United Kingdom for the second time in two months by the UK Home Office. The Home Office stated that his presence was deemed “non-conducive to the public good” and that allowing him into the […]
South African opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Julius Malema has been denied entry to the United Kingdom for the second time in two months by the UK Home Office. The Home Office stated that his presence was deemed “non-conducive to the public good” and that allowing him into the country was “undesirable.”
According to reports, the decision, which was formalized in a letter dated June 17, 2025, cited Malema’s vocal support for Hamas, including a speech made after the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel where he allegedly stated his party would arm the group if it came to power in South Africa. The Home Office also reportedly referenced his refusal in 2022 to assure a South African Equality Court that he would no longer encourage violence against white South Africans.
Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, had intended to attend an Africa-themed conference at Cambridge University and a peace summit in London, both scheduled for June. His previous attempt to enter the UK in May was also unsuccessful, with the UK initially citing a late visa application. However, a British official in South Africa reportedly told the BBC that this latest refusal was a “substantive decision” based on the content of Malema’s views.
Malema has publicly denounced the refusal as politically motivated, accusing the UK of attempting to silence dissenting political perspectives and stifle free speech. The EFF, which came fourth in South Africa’s parliamentary elections last year, has condemned the UK’s decision as “cowardice.” Reports indicate that Malema has no right of appeal for this decision and is likely to face similar outcomes for future applications. The denial is expected to renew diplomatic tensions between the UK and South Africa and fuel further debate on free speech on the international stage.
