Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has lashed out at British authorities, branding them as “cowards” for denying him a visa to attend a conference in London. Malema, known for his fiery rhetoric, accused the UK government of suppressing dissent, comparing their actions to the apartheid regime’s repression of liberation leaders.
“A Sign of Cowardice”
Speaking at a campaign rally in Freedom Park, Ward 24—ahead of a crucial by-election on May 14—Malema condemned the visa refusal, stating:
“They are cowards because when you disagree with someone, you don’t have to ban them. Apartheid banned our leaders. Apartheid banned Elias Motsoaledi. Apartheid sent Mashatile to prison for a very long time because they did not agree with his ideas. When you don’t agree with people, you must not ban them—that is a sign of cowardice.”
Malema further claimed that figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump seek to “criminalize” him for speaking “truth to power” and attempting to label him an “international criminal.” However, he dismissed these efforts, declaring:
“Whether they declare me an international criminal or not, whether they deny me a visa or not, Soweto will never deny me a visa. Soweto will always welcome me. I’m proud to be in Soweto today. I don’t feel ashamed that I was banned by London.”
Campaigning in Freedom Park
Malema’s visit to Freedom Park comes as major political parties, including the ANC and the EFF, intensify campaigning ahead of the May 14 by-election. Residents raised concerns over service delivery failures, particularly water and electricity shortages.
Taking aim at the ruling ANC, Malema positioned the EFF as the alternative for Black South Africans:
“We vote for them, but they don’t deliver anything to us. That’s why the EFF was formed—so that the ANC can die, and the EFF can emerge and look after the Black nation.”
Political Reactions
The ANC has yet to respond to Malema’s remarks, but political analysts suggest the EFF is leveraging Malema’s visa denial to galvanize support among voters disillusioned with the ANC’s governance.
As the by-election approaches, Freedom Park remains a key battleground, with residents weighing their options amid ongoing service delivery challenges.
