Botswana and Zambia have officially lifted long-standing travel bans against Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. The bans, which had been in place for over a decade, stemmed from Malema’s controversial remarks and actions targeting the leadership of both countries.
Botswana Leads the Way
On November 7, Botswana lifted its travel restrictions on Malema, just one day before the inauguration of the country’s sixth president, Duma Boko. A government notice from President Boko also removed bans against Floyd Shivambu, former EFF deputy leader, and Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe, a South African businesswoman.
Malema had been barred from Botswana in 2011 after calling for the removal of then-President Ian Khama, accusing him of advancing Western interests. His comments also included threats to unite Botswana’s opposition to unseat Khama. Shivambu, then the ANC Youth League spokesperson, faced a similar ban for supporting these calls.
Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe, sister of South Africa’s First Lady Tshepo Motsepe, had been banned in 2019 over allegations of meddling in Botswana’s politics—charges she denied.
Following the lifting of the ban, Malema attended President Boko’s swearing-in ceremony in Gaborone on November 8. This marked a significant political shift, as both Malema and Shivambu had been persona non grata in Botswana for over a decade.
Zambia Follows Suit
Zambia also lifted its travel ban on Malema, which had been imposed in 2017 under former President Edgar Lungu. The restriction was linked to Malema’s vocal support for Hakainde Hichilema, then Zambia’s opposition leader and now the country’s president.
In a November 10 statement, the EFF praised President Hichilema for ending the seven-year ban, emphasizing the party’s commitment to fostering unity and progress across Africa.
