British government delays Julius Malema’s visa and stops EFF leader from addressing students at Cambridge University in the UK

Just days before he was set to speak at one of the world’s top universities, Julius Malema’s travel plans were abruptly halted.

The leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was invited to address students at the University of Cambridge on May 10, 2025.

But a last-minute visa snag has thrown the entire visit off course—and the EFF isn’t taking it lightly.

EFF Slams the UK Over “Deliberate” Visa Hold-Up

In a fiery statement released on Wednesday, April 7, the EFF accused the British High Commission of intentionally stalling Malema’s visa application.

According to the party, UK officials gave them hope on Tuesday afternoon, confirming the visa would be finalized.

But by the time Malema was supposed to board his flight, that promise had evaporated.

Instead, he received a letter saying the visa would not be processed in time, effectively blocking his attendance.

The EFF didn’t mince words—calling the move an “administratively orchestrated ban” meant to sideline their leader from an important international stage.

Was It Political? EFF Thinks So

The EFF believes this was no innocent bureaucratic slip.

They argue that the delay was a strategic move to keep Malema from attending the Africa Together Conference at Cambridge—a space where he was scheduled to speak under the theme “The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents.”

According to the party, this fits a disturbing trend: resistance against voices that challenge Western imperialism.

Malema’s sharp critiques of colonialism, the British monarchy’s involvement in the slave trade, and the UK’s support for Israel were all cited as possible reasons for the rejection.

They even recalled his scathing comments about former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s role in the Iraq War and reiterated their past criticisms following Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

Standing Firm in the Face of Rejection

Despite being denied a visa, Malema and the EFF say they’re not backing down.

Instead, they’ve doubled down on their commitment to building global alliances and resisting what they see as modern-day imperialism.

The EFF also took a moment to thank the Cambridge students who invited Malema, recognizing their effort to include him in an important global conversation about Africa’s future leaders.

“We won’t be discouraged,” the statement said.

“Our work to build solidarity and advocate for Africa’s self-determination continues.”