A South African politician long accused of fuelling racial discord has been found guilty of hate speech for incendiary remarks made in 2022. Julius Malema, leader of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters party, was convicted by an equality court after comments delivered at a political rally. During the gathering, Malema declared that “no white man is going to beat me up,” before urging supporters never to fear killing.
He insisted that revolution required violence, arguing that killing could become a necessary act in pursuit of revolutionary ideals. Malema’s rhetoric has drawn controversy before, including earlier charges for chanting “shoot the boer,” a phrase targeting white Afrikaner farmers.
That decision was later overturned, yet it deepened his reputation as a politician whose language stirs raw divisions in South Africa. Malema has also featured prominently abroad, appearing in a video played by Donald Trump to confront President Cyril Ramaphosa in Washington.
The video promoted false claims alleging widespread killings of white farmers, accusations that shaped Trump’s push to suspend aid to South Africa. The South African government dismissed Washington’s stance as rooted in misinformation, insisting no campaign exists to seize land from white farmers.
Malema’s political style has led to condemnation at home and abroad, with Britain twice denying him a visa over controversial statements. Among them are expressions of support for Hamas, which further intensified debate over whether his words cross into incitement of violence.
Equality courts in South Africa rule on hate speech, discrimination, and harassment, with penalties ranging from public apologies to financial compensation. The court has yet to decide Malema’s punishment, leaving open whether his conviction will result in criminal referral or symbolic censure.
