In a bold statement of pan-African solidarity, South Africa’s firebrand opposition leader, Julius Malema, has publicly shrugged off threats of a U.S. visa ban, declaring he would rather tour the continent than seek entry to America.
The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) made the remarks at a rally, where a video of his speech has since gone viral. Addressing cheering supporters, Malema stated that his party’s critical stance on U.S. foreign policy might provoke Washington but vowed never to retreat. “Even if America decides that I should no longer enter America, it’s okay. I will enter Zimbabwe. I will enter Botswana. I will enter Nigeria,” he declared.
In a characteristically colourful dismissal, Malema contrasted American fast food with West African cuisine. He joked about preferring Nigeria’s jollof rice and goat meat pepper soup—which he fondly recalled being served by the Governor of Enugu State—over U.S. burgers.
His comments reinforce his anti-imperialist rhetoric and come amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including a U.S. threat to exclude South Africa from the 2026 G20 Summit.
