Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is set to speak at the party’s 10th Anniversary Closing Press Conference. The event will take place at Winnie Madikizela Mandela House in Johannesburg.
WATCH LIVE: EFF Presser – Malema surfaces after global backlash
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Malema expected to address ‘Kill the Boer’ chant amid backlash
During the EFF’s 10th-anniversary celebrations at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, a controversial chant of “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer” was made, drawing widespread criticism and reactions from various individuals and organisations.
Western Cape MEC Joins the Criticism
Dr Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, is among those criticising Julius Malema for chanting the controversial slogan. He described the struggle song as “vile” and expressed concern about its impact on farmers and agri-workers, per News24.
MEC Meyer emphasised that farmers and agri-workers deserve respect and dignity and should not be subjected to hateful sentiments. He acknowledged the importance of farmers’ contributions to food production and ensuring food security in the country.
DA and Freedom Front Plus Respond
Following the incident, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen, announced that the party would be laying charges at the United Nations Human Rights Council. Pieter Groenewald, the leader of the Freedom Front Plus, also opened a criminal case against Julius Malema.
In response to the ongoing outrage, the EFF referred to a statement it published in August 2022. The statement mentioned a High Court ruling that dismissed a case by the civil rights organisation AfriForum, which argued that Malema was guilty of inciting violence and hate speech by singing the controversial song.
The court ruled that AfriForum failed to demonstrate that the song’s lyrics contravened the Equality Act or showed a clear intention to harm or incite violence.
It further stated that the song should be protected under free speech, and debates surrounding it should be left to political contestation within society.
AfriForum announced that its appeal against the Equality Court’s finding that the “Kill the Boer” chant is not hate speech will be heard in September at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.
During the press conference, Malema is expected to address the controversy surrounding the chant, respond to the criticism received, and provide the EFF’s stance on the matter.