British High Commission apologises to Malema for visa denial
The British High Commission in Pretoria has apologised to EFF leader Julius Malema after his UK visa application was not processed in time for him to attend the Cambridge Africa Together Conference at Cambridge University.
British High Commissioner to South Africa Antony Phillipson said he had followed the application's progress closely and personally apologised for the delay, attributing it to standard visa processing procedures and the impact of recent UK bank holidays.
“I recognise that this will be deeply disappointing, especially as the delegation applied in advance and some paid for priority service. I would like to assure you that I have taken a personal interest in this issue and have been in regular communication with relevant Home Office officials about this case including over the last week and this morning,” reads the letter released yesterday.
He noted that he has no authority to intervene in visa decisions, which the UK Home Office solely handles.
Malema, who was at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, accused the British High Commission of deliberately delaying his visa application.
"The British High Commission has actively delayed the processing and approval of the visa application by the CIC and has sent a letter of regret that it will not be processed in time,” said Malema.
In response, the British High Commission said that since the purpose of the visit can no longer be fulfilled, the delegation may withdraw their applications and will receive full refunds, including for priority processing.
The EFF has been vocal in demanding reparations from the UK for colonialism and slavery. Malema had also planned to visit Queen Elizabeth II’s grave during his UK trip, saying her death symbolised the end of a painful era for Africa.
“Her people was indeed departed from this world and that our people can find justice and peace through her departure,” Malema said.
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