Julius Malema's 'Kill the Boer' chant divides South Africa

The South African

4 days ago

The divisive 'Kill the Boer, kill the farmer' chant, frequently sung by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his supporters, has once again ignited fierce debate in South Africa amid broader tensions around land reform, racial reconciliation, and political rhetoric.
Originally a liberation song from the apartheid era, the chant has resurfaced in recent years during EFF rallies and political events, drawing sharp criticism from some quarters and staunch defence from others.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued a strong condemnation of the chant, labelling it inflammatory and a threat to national cohesion.
'The song goes beyond mere words,' the DA said in a statement.
'It incites violence, stokes hatred, and deepens divisions within our society.'
The DA also called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a more decisive stance against the chant, arguing that it undermines the contributions of farmers – particularly in food security – and damages South Africa's international image.
'Political leaders must foster unity and peace, not deepen social unrest,' the party added.
In response to both domestic criticism and international scrutiny – especially after a past meeting with US President Donald Trump, who raised concerns over attacks on white farmers – President Ramaphosa reiterated that the chant should not be interpreted as a literal call to violence.
'It's not meant to be a message that elicits or calls upon anyone to be killed. Freedom of expression is a bedrock,' Ramaphosa said.
He has also rejected claims of a so-called 'white genocide' in South Africa, calling such accusations exaggerated and politically driven.
EFF leader Julius Malema remains unapologetic, defending the chant as an integral part of South Africa's liberation heritage.
'I will not be silenced… This is not my song; the struggle heroes composed this song,' Malema told supporters during a recent campaign event in the Free State.
Julius Malema insists the chant is symbolic and not intended to incite harm, despite mounting criticism from civil society groups and political opponents. Legal and historical context
The Equality Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and Constitutional Court have all ruled that the chant does not constitute hate speech under current South African law.
Former President Thabo Mbeki also defended the song's use in public discourse, saying: 'Chants of that kind, in our tradition – you don't take them literally.'
He likened it to other protest songs that serve as emotional and historical expressions rather than literal threats.
The chant has drawn international attention, with high-profile figures such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Flemish politician Kristof Slagmulder expressing concern over the rhetoric and its impact on South Africa's white farming community.
South African entrepreneur Rob Hersov labelled the chant 'hate speech' during an appearance on the Rob Schmitt Show , comparing it to Nazi-era incitement and accusing President Ramaphosa of creating a hostile environment through policies like land expropriation without compensation.
The debate ties into the broader issue of farm attacks in South Africa, which remain a pressing concern.
However, research from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) warns against oversimplifying the violence as purely racially motivated.
Analysts point instead to a complex web of social, economic, and historical factors driving rural crime.
Supporters argue the chant is a poignant reminder of the country's painful past and a legitimate form of political expression.
Critics argue it is a dangerous provocation that undermines efforts at reconciliation and threatens national stability.
As South Africa continues to grapple with land reform, inequality, and racial tensions, the ongoing debate over 'Kill the Boer' reflects the deeper struggle to balance freedom of expression, historical recognition, and the pursuit of social cohesion.
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