The British High Commission in South Africa has formally apologized to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema after his UK visa was not finalized in time for a high-profile appearance at the Africa Together Conference held at Cambridge University.

According to the EFF, Malema had submitted his visa application well in advance and had paid for the UK’s priority processing service. However, the application was not completed in time, barring him from traveling to the UK for the event. The delay prompted strong criticism from both Malema and the EFF, who labeled the incident an “intentional political ban.”

British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson acknowledged the issue and offered an apology to Malema, stating that visa applications are processed by the UK Home Office and that he had no authority to influence decisions. Phillipson also confirmed that the application fees would be refunded.

Despite the apology, Malema condemned the delay as politically charged, accusing the UK of attempting to silence dissenting political voices from the Global South. “This is not just a bureaucratic failure; it is a political statement,” he said.

The EFF echoed this sentiment, stating in a release that the visa issue reflects a broader pattern of undermining critical voices on international platforms. “This incident serves as a stark reminder of how systems of power are weaponized to suppress alternative political narratives,” the party stated.

The Africa Together Conference is a prestigious event hosted by Cambridge University, bringing together African leaders, academics, and change-makers from across the continent and diaspora to discuss pressing socio-political issues.

While the UK government has not issued a broader statement on the matter, the controversy is expected to fuel further discussions on freedom of movement and political discrimination in international diplomacy.