Mbalula Rejects “Kill the Boer” Chants as Outdated and Divisive

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has declared the controversial struggle-era slogan “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” incompatible with modern South Africa, marking a significant shift in the ruling party’s rhetoric. The statement comes amid ongoing debates about land reform and rising farm violence.

Policy Shift

• Recognized the chant’s anti-apartheid origins but called it “unconstitutional in our democracy”
• Cited the 2022 Equality Court ruling classifying the phrase as hate speech
• Urged focus on land redistribution through parliamentary processes

Reactions

• Agricultural Groups: Welcomed the stance but demanded action against farm attacks (47 recorded in 2024)
• EFF: Accused ANC of “betraying revolutionary principles”
• Analysts: Suggest ANC is moderating messaging ahead of elections

The intervention follows President Ramaphosa’s recent appeal for restrained political language, as the Expropriation Bill returns to Parliament next month.