Malema, who leads the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), had been scheduled to speak at the 11th Annual Africa Together Conference at the University of Cambridge this weekend. However, he was informed that his visa application would not be processed in time effectively preventing him from travelling.

“This is not an administrative delay. It is a targeted act of silencing,” Malema said in a social media post, expressing his frustration over what he described as a politically motivated decision.

The EFF has condemned the British High Commission in Pretoria, accusing it of deliberately stalling the visa process to block Malema’s participation in international discourse. The party alleges that the move is part of a broader effort to muzzle voices that challenge Britain’s historical and present-day actions.

“This reflects a clear expression of imperialism against a leader who has consistently called out Britain’s colonial atrocities, its monarchy’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, and its complicity in the genocide of Palestinians,” the EFF said in a statement.

Despite the visa setback, the EFF insists it will not be deterred in its mission to build international solidarity against capitalism and global exploitation. The party reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying voices that confront Western imperial power, both on the African continent and abroad.

As of publication, the British High Commission has not issued any public response to the allegations or provided clarification on the visa delay.

--ChannelAfrica--