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Julius Malema: South African politician banned from UK by Home Office

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Original Story by BBC News
June 19, 2025
Julius Malema: South African politician banned from UK by Home Office

Context:

Julius Malema, a controversial South African politician known for his radical views, has been banned from entering the UK due to being considered 'non-conducive to the public good'. His vocal support for Hamas and previous threats against white people were cited as reasons for the ban. Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party criticized the decision as a suppression of democratic debate. This marks the second time in two months that Malema has been denied entry to the UK, with the first instance attributed to a late application submission. The UK government has indicated that Malema is unlikely to succeed in any future entry applications and has no right of appeal against this decision.

Dive Deeper:

  • Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, has been denied entry to the UK for the second time in two months, with the UK citing his support for Hamas and incendiary rhetoric as reasons.

  • The UK's Home Office declared Malema as 'non-conducive to the public good' and deemed it undesirable to allow him entry, referencing his speech supporting Hamas and threats to 'slaughter white people' and 'take up arms'.

  • Malema's EFF party, which placed fourth in last year's South African parliamentary elections, condemned the UK's decision, labeling it as cowardice and an obstruction to democratic discourse.

  • Previously, Malema was denied entry due to a late application, but this time the UK government described it as a 'substantive decision', suggesting more serious concerns about his influence and statements.

  • Due to the nature of the decision, Malema has no right to appeal the ban, and the UK government has indicated that future applications for entry are likely to be denied as well.

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