AfriForum

AfriForum has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to publicly condemn the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant performed by EFF leader Julius Malema during a Human Rights Day rally. The event, held in Sharpeville to honour the victims of the 1960 apartheid massacre, reignited a long-standing debate about the chant’s meaning and its impact on South Africa’s rural communities. AfriForum’s Ernst van Zyl accused the government of ignoring farm murders and urged Ramaphosa to prioritise rural crime, while international figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Elon Musk have also weighed in on the issue.

A Rally That Sparked Outrage

On Human Rights Day, EFF leader Julius Malema addressed a crowd of supporters in Sharpeville, leading them in the “Kill the Boer” chant. In his speech, he said, “We do not come here to commemorate a so-called ‘Human Rights Day’, but to remember and honour the sacrifice of those who fell on March 21, 1960, at the hands of a murderous apartheid regime.” For Malema and his supporters, the chant is a powerful reminder of the struggle against oppression. However, it has drawn sharp criticism from groups like AfriForum, who see it as a call to violence against white farmers.

AfriForum’s Ernst van Zyl was quick to respond, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a stand. “President Ramaphosa’s silence on the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant reinforces the idea that he is more concerned about not upsetting the EFF than reassuring minority communities who have legitimate concerns and fears about being targeted and villainised,” Van Zyl said. He also called on the president to retract past statements denying the severity of farm murders and to make rural safety a national priority.

The Ongoing Crisis of Farm Attacks

Farm murders and rural crime remain a deeply divisive issue in South Africa. Over the years, brutal attacks on farmers have made headlines, with many incidents linked to racial tensions. In 2023 alone, there were dozens of reported farm attacks, some resulting in fatalities. One chilling case involved a farming couple in the Free State who were tortured and killed in their home, with attackers allegedly shouting slogans tied to the “Kill the Boer” chant.

Despite these incidents, the government’s response has been inconsistent. In 2018, President Ramaphosa faced backlash after claiming during an overseas trip that farm murders were not a significant problem. Critics, including AfriForum, argue that this downplaying has allowed the crisis to worsen. Van Zyl emphasised the need for action, stating, “For years, the government has given the farmers of this country a cold shoulder and turned a blind eye to the extreme violence that has affected farmers in the form of brutal farm attacks and murders.”

Malema’s Defence and Legal Backing

Julius Malema has staunchly defended the “Kill the Boer” chant, insisting it is not a literal call to violence but a symbol of resistance. In 2023, he addressed critics, saying, “There is no song, ‘Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer’. That is a chant. We over-explained it in court. If you have a problem with it, go to the records of the courts.” He added, “Don’t be lazy to read and ask me the same all over again and again. And I won in court. The court said there is nothing wrong in singing ’Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer’.”

Malema’s confidence stems from a 2022 Equality Court ruling, which found that the chant did not constitute hate speech. The court dismissed AfriForum’s claims, stating there was no evidence that the lyrics directly incited violence. However, AfriForum has not backed down, launching an appeal set to be heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2025. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for free speech and racial harmony in South Africa.

International Voices Join the Debate

The controversy has caught the attention of prominent international figures, adding a global dimension to the story. On Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to social media, saying that Afrikaners “threatened with violence” would be welcomed in the United States. Meanwhile, South African-born billionaire Elon Musk used his platform X to accuse the South African government of “actively promoting genocide.” These statements have sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the support for farmers and others accusing foreign figures of meddling in local affairs.

The international spotlight has put additional pressure on President Ramaphosa to address the issue. Rural communities, already feeling neglected, now see their plight being debated on a world stage, raising questions about how South Africa will balance domestic politics with global perceptions.

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