The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The civil rights organisation AfriForum welcomes the decision of the UK government to refuse the EFF leader Julius Malema a visa due to his extremist stances and rhetoric, which include his calls for the slaughtering of white people and support of terrorist groups such as Hamas. AfriForum also deems the decision to reject future visa applications, unless Malema renounces his extremist views and rhetoric, as a positive step in the interest of human rights. 

In a letter to Malema, the UK Visas and Immigration Centre made it clear that its decision was based on Malema’s testimony in the Equality Court during AfriForum’s 2022 court case regarding the singing of the “Kill the Boer” chant. Malema testified at the time that he could not rule out the possibility of calling for the slaughtering of white people in the future. This testimony was directly quoted in the letter. It is clear that this AfriForum court case continues to have a critical impact internationally.

According to Ernst van Zyl, Head of Public Relations at AfriForum, the UK government’s definition of extremism – which entails the promotion of an ideology based on violence, hatred and intolerance – is an accurate description of Malema and the EFF’s actions. 

“AfriForum is intensifying its international efforts, which calls on all countries with a conscience to take punitive actions against Julius Malema and other extremist politicians for inciting violence against Afrikaners, minorities and farmers,” Van Zyl concludes.

The UK Home Office has told Malema that there is no right of appeal against its decision or right to administrative review.

Issued by AfriForum