South African opposition politician Julius Malema has been found guilty of hate speech for remarks made at a 2022 political rally, where he told supporters: “No white man is going to beat me up … You must never be scared to kill.”
The country’s Equality Court ruled on Thursday that Malema’s comments “demonstrated an intent to incite harm.” However, his far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party insists the statement was taken out of context.
The case has attracted global attention, particularly after footage of Malema was shown by US President Donald Trump to South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa during a White House meeting earlier this year. Trump falsely alleged that the South African government was sanctioning attacks on white farmers to seize their land. The US has since suspended all financial aid to South Africa, citing what it described as anti-white and anti-American policies.
Malema, a prominent and often controversial figure in South African politics, has faced similar cases in the past. He was previously convicted of hate speech for chanting the apartheid-era slogan “shoot the boer,” a reference to white Afrikaner farmers. That ruling was later overturned on appeal.
Under South Africa’s Equality Court system, individuals found guilty of hate speech can be ordered to apologise publicly, pay compensation, or in severe cases, face criminal prosecution. The court has not yet announced Malema’s penalty in this latest case.
Though not part of government, Malema wields significant influence as leader of the EFF and is frequently criticised for incendiary rhetoric. His public positions, including vocal support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, have sparked both domestic backlash and international consequences. Earlier this year, Malema was twice denied a UK visa due to his controversial statements.
Melissa Enoch
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