WATCH | Denied by the UK, embraced by Soweto – Malema holds his ground

Malema

Cape Town – EFF leader Julius Malema has criticised the UK’s denial of his visa, calling it an “act of cowardice” and comparing it to apartheid-era bans on political dissidents.

Malema was scheduled to address the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference this week, but was denied entry hours before departure from South Africa.

“The British authorities have denied me a visa to London for the Cambridge Conference this weekend, providing no substantial justification,” Malema wrote in a post on social media.

Speaking in Soweto’s Ward 24 on Sunday, ahead of a by-election, Malema said he was unashamed of the decision and accused figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump of trying to silence him.

“They are cowards because when you disagree with someone, you do not have to ban them. Apartheid banned our leaders, apartheid banned Elias Motsoaledi, apartheid sent Elias Motsoaledi 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 because that is a sign of cowardice,” Malema said, according to SABC News.

He added: “It is Elon Musk, it is Donald Trump who want to criminalise me for speaking truth to power, and they want to declare me an international criminal. 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 am proud to be in Soweto today. I don’t feel ashamed that I was banned by London and gave me an opportunity to spend a day with my people, where I am received, where I’m well loved, where ideas do not scare people.”

He expressed pride in being welcomed by Soweto residents and dismissed fears of being labelled an international criminal.

The EFF, ANC, and newcomer uMkhonto we Sizwe have all been campaigning in Freedom Park ahead of the May 14 by-election.

Residents voiced concerns over poor service delivery, and Malema urged them to reject the ANC in favour of the EFF, which he said was formed to protect the interests of the Black nation.

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