South African Court Convicts Malema of Hate Speech

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

A South African court has convicted opposition politician Julius Malema of hate speech following remarks he made during a 2022 rally.

Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), told his supporters at the event that they should “never be scared to kill.” The Equality Court ruled yesterday that his statement “constituted hate speech” as it showed a clear intent to incite harm and encourage hatred.

According to the judgment, the comments were seen as a call to target white males involved in a 2020 racial incident and as an appeal for violent responses to racist acts.

Malema has faced frequent criticism over his rhetoric, including his use of the anti-apartheid struggle song, Kill the Boer, kill the farmer, which opponents argue promotes hostility towards South Africa’s white population.

The EFF has said it will appeal the ruling, claiming the court failed to place Malema’s speech within its political and historical context.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s second-largest party and a strong critic of the EFF, welcomed the court’s decision, calling it “a victory against efforts to fuel racial division.”

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Consul-General in Lagos, Bobby Moroe, has dismissed claims that Nigerians are routinely denied visas due to xenophobia. Speaking at the 25th anniversary of the Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) in Lagos, where the Chamber unveiled a new logo, Moroe said most applications are approved, with only non-compliant submissions rejected.

He stressed that South Africa does not deliberately shut out Nigerians and encouraged stronger economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.