Julius Malema accuses the UK of politically motivated visa denial ahead of a Cambridge event, citing efforts to silence his anti-Western views.

South African politician Julius Malema, known for his outspoken criticism of the West’s policies towards Africa, has accused UK authorities of denying him a visa to attend and speak at an event at Cambridge University, alleging that the move was politically motivated.

Malema, who leads South Africa’s opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), described the decision as a de facto ban on his engagement with students, labeling it “an attempt to silence a dissenting political perspective.”

On Wednesday, Malema took to the social media platform X to share his experience, stating that he had been previously assured that his visa was under processing. However, while at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport awaiting his flight to London, he received what he described as “a regret letter” indicating that his visa application had not been approved.

The EFF leader has been a vocal critic of the United Kingdom’s historical role in Africa, having previously called for Britain to pay reparations and issue formal apologies to African nations for the injustices of colonialism.

Malema and his party have long accused the British monarchy of playing a central role in the transatlantic slave trade and in perpetrating colonial-era abuses.

According to a report by the BBC, a leaked letter addressed to the EFF from the British High Commissioner to South Africa expressed personal regret over the visa denial. The letter attributed the delay to procedural issues, highlighting the unfortunate timing of recent UK national holidays as a contributing factor. The BBC noted that the letter was signed by High Commissioner Antony Phillipson.

The UK Home Office has not issued a comment on the matter.

Malema had been scheduled to deliver an address at a Cambridge University event focused on African issues, which was set to take place on Saturday, according to his party.

In recent years, Malema has gained attention for his strong anti-Western positions on various global matters, including the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict. He has openly supported Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and has accused Western countries of funding and backing what he describes as Israel’s “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza.