Afriforum expressed its opposition to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema’s chanting of the “Kill the boer” song during the party’s 10th anniversary rally.
The controversial chants were made during Malema’s closing speech at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg over the weekend.
Afriforum had previously filed a hate speech case against the EFF, but the Equality Court dismissed it last year. However, the organisation is currently appealing the court’s decision.
Ernst Roets, Afriforum’s Chief Executive for Strategy, clarified the ongoing legal battle, stating, “The matter has been heard in the High Court, and there was a ruling on this last year, and the matter is going on appeal, so it will be going to the SCA in September.”
“That is the matter of whether the chanting of the song ‘kill the boer, kill the farmer’ is hate speech. Given the fact that the matter is still pending and in the process of going to court, it does not give Malema the right to chant this song,” says Roets.
Afriforum on Malema chanting “Kill the Boer” at its anniversary rally
Last year, Judge Edwin Molahlehi ruled that the song “Kill/Kiss the Boer” played a significant role in the South African political rhetoric, expressing frustration with the failings of the ANC since the country gained democracy.
The judge emphasised that the song’s interpretation should be considered within its political context, where Malema advocates for land reform and radical economic transformation.
According to the judge, the song “assisted Malema in his dialogue with the state” and helped the EFF leader establish the party’s position on economic policies in the country. The controversy surrounding the song continues to generate heated debate as the legal process proceeds to the Supreme Court of Appeal in September.
EFF welcomes decision of the court in dismissing AfriForum’s case on “Dubul’ iBhunu” song
