VIDEO: If America blocks me, I’ll go to Nigeria for jollof — Malema

Leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has stirred reactions across Africa following a viral video in which he brushed off the possibility of being denied a United States visa, insisting he would rather travel within Africa — especially to Nigeria.

In the video, shared widely on X, the outspoken politician spoke at an EFF rally where he acknowledged that the party’s strong positions, which frequently challenge U.S. foreign policy, could attract Washington’s disapproval. However, he made it clear that such pressure would not force him to back down.

“When we take certain positions, we know America will not like it. But are we going to retreat because America is unhappy? Never,” Malema said to loud cheers from supporters.

He added that even if the U.S. were to bar him from entry, he would simply focus on visiting African countries instead.

“If America decides I should no longer enter America, it’s fine. I will enter Zimbabwe. I’ll enter Botswana. I’ll enter Nigeria. I’ll enter Africa — my home,” he said.

Malema also injected humour into his remarks, praising Nigerian food over what he described as Western meals.

“Why should I worry about people who will feed me beggars and make me fat, when I can go to Nigeria and eat jollof? Nice, nom nom,” he joked, recalling a previous visit to Enugu State where he said the governor hosted him with jollof rice and pepper soup.

Maintaining his characteristic fiery tone, Malema described himself as relentless despite challenges.

“I’m a guy who is sweating but will not stop. Sweating but not stopping. That’s how nice Africa is,” he said.

His comments come amid growing speculation that authorities in the U.S. and the U.K. could impose travel restrictions on him over his views on land reform, anti-imperialist rhetoric, and calls for radical economic transformation.

Rather than retreat, Malema used the moment to stress African unity as an alternative to Western dominance.

“So you want to threaten me that you won’t give me a visa to America or London. I don’t care,” he concluded.