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EFF leader Julius Malema briefs the media on the suspension of the VAT increase.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has termed the denial of his visa to the United Kingdom as an “act of cowardice”. Malema was speaking at Ward 24 in Freedom Park, Soweto, just days before Wednesday’s by-election.
“They are cowards because when you disagree with someone, you do not have to ban them. Apartheid banned our leaders, apartheid banned Elias Motsoaledi, apartheid sent Elias Motsoaledi to prison for a very long time because they did not agree with his ideas. When you don’t agree with people, you must not ban them because that is a sign of cowardice.”
Malema adds that he was not ashamed of the visa denial.
“It is Elon Musk, it is Donald Trump who want to criminalise me for speaking truth to power, and they want to declare me an international criminal. Whether they declare me an international criminal or not, whether they deny me a visa or not, Soweto will never deny me a visa. Soweto will always welcome me. I am proud to be in Soweto today. I don’t feel ashamed that I was banned by London and gave me an opportunity to spend a day with my people, where I am received, where I’m well loved, where ideas do not scare people.”
VIDEO | EFF leader Julius Malema takes campaign to Soweto Ward 24 ahead of by-election
The African National Congress (ANC), first time contender uMkhonto we Sizwe political party and now the EFF have all in the space of a few days descended in Freedom Park, the home of Ward 24, which is up for grabs with the looming by-election to be held on the 14th of May.
♦️In Pictures♦️
The President and Commander in Chief @Julius_S_Malema greeting Ward 24 community members.
Fighters, we must be one thing and fight as a strong organisation of the Left.#VoteEFF pic.twitter.com/QQSLrar0De
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 11, 2025
Residents, who are spoilt for choice, took turns listing their service delivery concerns of water and electricity to the EFF leader. To which Malema, while taking a swipe at the ANC, assured residents that the EFF was the choice to look after the Black nation.
“We vote for them, but they do not deliver anything to us. That is why the eff was formed so that the ANC can die and the eff can emerge and look after the black nation”
