Malema a security threat
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday September 16, 2014 16:10
While he refused to be drawn into details of why the government denied the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) leader the visa Department of Immigration and Citizenship director Mabuse Pule did confirm that Malema’s application was subjected to security vetting.
“Malema’s application returned from the security vetting process on Friday morning and the board (that is a special visa screening board set up to consider his application) made its decision the same day around 10am, but I cannot disclose client information with the media,” he said.
Pule said the board did not only concern itself with Malema’s application but with other applications as well.
“It was not only Malema who had applied for a visa,” he said.
Following the decision to reject the application the department wrote to Arafat Khan, who had been Malema’s official proxy in Botswana: “I am directed to inform you that the application for the above named [Julius Malema] has been turned down.
Kindly inform him/her of the outcome and that according to the visa regulation he/she may re-apply after a period of three months immediately after the date of rejection,” reads the September 12, letter signed by the chief immigration officer Bessy Kelebemang.
Meanwhile Khan has said the government refused to furnish them with reasons for refusing to issue Malema with a visa.
“They told me that I would have to apply for a court order if I want reasons,” said the Botswana National Front Youth League Secretary. Malema would have launched him as council candidate for Borakalalo ward over the weekend. Botswana placed Malema on a list of individuals who must apply for a visa to enter the country. Malema had called for regime change in Botswana as he said the country’s government under President Ian Khama was a puppet of the US. He also accused Botswana of hosting America’s Africa Command (AFRICOM) inside Thebephatshwa Air Base near Molepolole.
In its EFF 2014 elections manifesto, the party also called for the isolation of Botswana.
“The EFF government will work towards African isolation of Botswana, which has been home of an imperialist military base and push for progressive internal reforms within Botswana which should involve the people of Botswana,” states the manifesto.
The EFF said on Friday it condemned Botswana’s decision to deny Malema a visa. “[The] refusal to grant Malema permission to visit Botswana confirms that Botswana is not a democratic country.
There can never be a democratic country that refuses those who disagree with the acts of its government permission to visit,” EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said on Friday.