The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have released a correspondence from High Commissioner Antony Phillipson, in which he conveys his apologies to Julius Malema regarding a visa issue. The letter details regret for the delays stemming from inaction within the UK Home Office.
JOHANNESBURG – The British High Commission in South Africa stated that EFF leader Julius Malema’s visa processing was hampered by the unfortunate scheduling of recent UK public holidays. A letter, publicly shared by the red berets, showcases Phillipson’s apology to Malema concerning his colleagues’ lack of action.
The EFF has labelled the situation as an intentional administrative obstruction of their leader’s travel. Malema was scheduled to address attendees at Cambridge University’s Africa Together Conference. Though not his first visit to the UK, he previously faced a similar setback, being turned back at the airport due to paperwork issues. In a handwritten letter, Phillipson elucidated the cause of the delay, formally apologizing for the disruption to Malema’s plans. He clarified that he lacks the authority to influence visa decisions. The High Commissioner also recognized that Malema and his group proactively applied for their visas well in advance, incurring extra charges for expedited processing. Phillipson concluded by offering a complete reimbursement of all application expenses.
SA British High Commission tenders apologies to Malema for visa application delays.
A letter by High Commissioner Antony Phillipson apologising to Malema has been made public by the red berets, where he expresses regret over the inaction of his colleagues in the UK Home Office.
JOHANNESBURG – The British High Commission in South Africa said Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema’s visa application could not be finalised due to the unfortunate timing of some recent United Kingdom (UK) bank holidays.
A letter by High Commissioner Antony Phillipson apologising to Malema has been made public by the red berets, where he expresses regret over the inaction of his colleagues in the UK Home Office.
The EFF has described the incident as an administratively orchestrated ban on its president.
Malema was due to speak at the Cambridge University’s Africa Together Conference.
While this wouldn’t have been Malema’s first trip to the UK, he’s had to make a u-turn while already at the airport due to incomplete entry documents.
In a letter, personally penned by Phillipson, he explained how the delay occurred, apologising for the inconvenience caused to Malema.
He further said he has no means of intervening in the decision-making processes.
Phillipson also acknowledges that Malema and his delegation applied for their visas in advance, even paying additional costs for priority service.
The commissioner also expresses a willingness to fully refund all the application fees.
