Julius Malema banned from entering UK over Hamas support, extremist remarks

The United Kingdom has officially barred South African politician Julius Malema from entering its territory.

UK cited national security concerns and the politician’s controversial public statements.

The UK Home Office issued a formal letter rejecting the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader’s visa application, declaring that his presence was “not conducive to the public good.”

According to the letter dated 17 June, Malema's visa was refused on the grounds of “conduct, character, associations, or other reasons”, which include public statements perceived as extremist and affiliations with proscribed organisations.

“An application for entry clearance, permission to enter, or permission to stay must be refused where the applicant’s presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good,” read the letter.

The UK Home Office specifically referenced Malema’s comments in support of Hamas, a militant group designated as a terrorist organisation in the UK.

They noted that he made a speech outside the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria on 23 October 2023, just days after the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, during which he vowed that should the EFF take power in South Africa, they would “arm Hamas and provide the necessary equipment to fight for their freedom.”

The statement also quoted Malema declaring that “there is nothing wrong Hamas did,” referring to the attack that left hundreds of Israeli civilians dead. The UK government interpreted these remarks as explicit support for a banned group.

Further aggravating the UK’s decision was a post made in April 2024 on the EFF’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. The party publicly supported the armed struggle of both Hamas and Hezbollah, stating that Palestinians have the full right to resist “apartheid Israel.”

The Home Office letter warned that future visa applications by Malema may also be denied unless circumstances change:

“Any future UK visa applications you make will be considered on their individual merits. However, you are likely to be refused unless the circumstances of your application change.”

In addition to his pro-Hamas rhetoric, the UK also cited Malema’s past inflammatory statements, including a February 2022 appearance before the South African Equality Court.

He had previously made comments about the “slaughter of white people,” and when asked by the judge to promise never to repeat such statements, he replied, “I cannot guarantee the future. I am not a prophet.”

This ban is a significant diplomatic move that could impact Malema’s international engagements and speaks to the UK’s firm stance on extremism, particularly in light of heightened global tensions surrounding the Israel–Palestine conflict.