World leaders see Malema as a threat: Experts

International relations expert, Professor Siphamandla Zondi, says the United Kingdom denying Julius Malema a visa shows that they see the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) leader as an adversary.

He believes that the UK now regards him as a significant person in the political sphere.

His remarks comes amid Malema’s fury over the declining of his application last month.

British authorities say Malema’s presence in the country is not conducive to the public good and his future visa applications are likely to be declined.

Speaking to YNews, Zondi says this also shows that Malema has acquired a currency that has forced world leaders to acknowledge his influence enough to make him their focus.

“This negative recognition is of such a nature that this unusual decision is taken and publicised. It creates an impression that the UK has interest in South Africa’s affairs and power arrangements,” adds the international relations scholar.

The expert says it is evident that the UK does not want Malema to support views, in the UK, that the government is uncomfortable with.

“This is including the support for the poor people of Gaza and the need to deal with colonial legacies, including skewed land ownership patterns in South Africa and other parts of the world,” says Zondi.

In a letter from the UK Home Office, Malema’s remarks particularly his singing of the controversial anti-apartheid song “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer”, is one of the reasons for the denial of his visa application. Labelling him an extremist, the office also cited his support for Hamas in the ongoing Israel-Palestine war as another factor that influenced its decision.

Governance expert, Professor Sam Koma, agrees that the British authorities see Malema as a threat.

The EFF, however, remains unfazed and resolute in its principles and says it will never trade its revolutionary beliefs in exchange for a visa.

The EFF’s Statement on the Confirmation by the United Kingdom that the Denial of CIC Julius Malema’s Visa Application was Politically Motivated

-The UK has declared the Commander in Chief and President of the EFF an “extremist” whose presence in the UK would not be conducive… pic.twitter.com/uAQqnwSNXq

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) June 19, 2025

Social media users have also been abuzz on this development.

Julius Malema has been denied a UK visa for the 2nd time due to his comments about killing white people & his support for Hamas.

Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. pic.twitter.com/D3cfv4XRiC

— The Kiffness (@TheKiffness) June 18, 2025

Why is Malema still trying to go to the UK?

— Uncle German (@GermanTank_BW) June 19, 2025

Your racism is beyond reproach. No it visiting the UK does not take value from anyone. The UK is not heaven, is just another country I have never hone to the UK and I’m well alive and healthy.Malema with by die nor will he changed his views in order to get a visa to UK.

— Our Land Our heritag (@john_tsakane) June 19, 2025

The UK calling Julius Malema “undesirable” is pot calling the kettle black and only proves his point: former colonial powers wants to police #Africanvoices that challenge #imperial legacies. It’s not about “public good”—it’s about silencing assertive #Africans who won’t play by…

— A A Dhiif🇺🇸🇸🇴 (@LaaskaSool) June 19, 2025