Julius Malema to Attend President Duma Boko's Inauguration in ...
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema will be travelling to Botswana this Friday to attend the inauguration of newly elected President Duma Boko. This trip marks Malema’s first entry into Botswana in over a decade, following the recent lifting of his long-standing visa ban by President Boko’s administration.
Julius Malema’s visa ban dates back to 2011, when he made a series of comments against the then-president of Botswana, Ian Khama. At the time, Malema was the leader of the ANC Youth League and, in his speech, criticised Khama’s government as a “puppet regime.” Malema went so far as to threaten a potential coup, pledging to “overthrow” the Khama administration. These remarks caused a diplomatic rift, leading the Botswana government to impose a visa restriction on Malema, effectively barring him from the country.
Since then, Malema has been prohibited from entering Botswana, even in his capacity as an elected Member of Parliament and later as the head of the EFF. The visa restrictions endured throughout multiple political changes, including Malema’s shift from the ANC to founding the EFF. Botswana’s visa requirements for South Africans are generally lenient, which made Malema’s ban all the more notable and contentious in regional diplomatic circles.
Botswana Lifts Malema’s Visa BanThe visa restriction on Julius Malema was formally lifted under Government Notice No. 740 of 2024, issued on 7 November. President Duma Boko, through the notice, removed Malema’s name from the list of individuals requiring a visa to enter Botswana. The official notice also revoked visa requirements for other high-profile individuals, including EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu and South African businesswoman Bridgette Radebe.
The revocation notice, signed by President Boko himself, is in line with regulation 5 of Botswana’s Immigration (Visa) Regulations, which allows the President to remove individuals from visa restrictions as deemed necessary. Malema’s ban lift symbolises a new era in Botswana’s diplomatic stance, particularly under Boko’s leadership, which emphasises a cooperative and unified approach with neighbouring countries.
The lifting of Malema’s visa restriction marks a significant policy shift from previous administrations. Under President Boko, Botswana is showing a renewed willingness to strengthen ties with South African political figures, especially those within movements like the EFF, who advocate for pan-African solidarity and economic justice.
EFF’s Roots in Botswana and Regional InfluenceJulius Malema’s planned visit to Botswana comes amid a surge in the EFF’s influence beyond South Africa’s borders. The EFF officially established a Botswana branch in 2018, aiming to expand its grassroots movement and promote its economic and social ideals within the country. Though relatively new, EFF Botswana has gained traction as it champions causes resonating with many Batswana, particularly those aligned with pan-African principles and economic freedom.
For the EFF, Malema’s presence at President Boko’s inauguration signifies a strategic opportunity to further embed the party’s ideals within Botswana’s political landscape. The EFF Botswana branch, though still in its early stages, could benefit from Malema’s appearance as it works to attract more support within the country. With President Boko’s supportive administration, the EFF may find a conducive environment in Botswana to expand its network and garner more influence regionally.
The Significance of Malema’s Attendance at the InaugurationMalema’s attendance at President Boko’s inauguration underscores a shift in Botswana-South Africa relations, particularly concerning political openness and the embrace of diverse ideologies. As a figure who has long been outspoken about his pan-African ideals, Malema’s invitation to the inauguration reflects Botswana’s openness to new diplomatic possibilities under Boko’s leadership.
EFF leader Malema expressed his enthusiasm for the event and praised President Boko’s resilience. “Revolutionary congratulations to Mr President Duma Boko. Your unwavering perseverance and resilience truly inspire all of us. He’s already promised to lift my visa restrictions; can’t wait to see you soon, Botswana!” Malema posted on social media shortly after the visa restrictions were lifted.
Political analysts note that Malema’s presence at the inauguration could herald a closer relationship between the EFF and Botswana’s ruling party, as well as between South Africa and Botswana. Professor Thabo Maseko, a political science expert, suggests that the inauguration could lay the groundwork for greater cross-border collaboration on social and economic reforms. “Malema’s visit represents more than just a political appearance. It symbolises potential diplomatic strengthening between Botswana and South Africa. With Boko’s government embracing the EFF, both countries could work towards unified economic objectives across southern Africa,” Maseko said.
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