The leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, has said he would not be bothered if the United States decides to deny him a visa, declaring he would rather visit Nigeria and other African countries where he feels at home.
Malema made the comments during a political briefing in Johannesburg, where he outlined his party’s position ahead of its national general council and addressed developments surrounding South Africa’s evolving government of national unity.
In a viral video from the event, the 44-year-old opposition leader accused Western nations of undue interference in South Africa’s internal affairs and reiterated that the country’s multiparty democracy must remain sovereign.
Malema said Africa remains his true home and he has no problem seeking refuge in countries like Nigeria, Zimbabwe, or Botswana if the US implements travel restrictions against him.
“Even if America decides that I should no longer enter America, it is okay, I will enter Zimbabwe, I will enter Botswana, I will enter Nigeria, I will enter Africa, my home,” he said.
Mocking the perceived threat from Washington, the EFF leader said he would rather enjoy jollof rice and pepper soup in Nigeria than eat burgers in the US.
He said, “Why should I be concerned about people who are going to feed me burger and make me fat when I can go to Nigeria and eat jollof?
“So why must I fight for burger instead of jollof?”
Malema also recalled his August visit to Nigeria for the Nigerian Bar Association’s annual conference, where he said he was warmly received and served traditional delicacies.
“When we were in Nigeria, we were given a nice jollof rice and pepper soup,” he said, adding that threats to withhold a US or UK visa were of no concern to him.
“You want to threaten me that you will not give me a visa to America or give me a visa to London? I do not care,” he declared.
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