A renewed national debate has emerged in South Africa over the controversial liberation chant, “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer,” following its repeated use by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema.
Lyrics to ‘Kill the Boer, kill the farmer’
| Xhosa / Zulu | English |
| Ayasab’ amagwala dubula dubula ayeah dubula dubula ayasab ‘a magwala dubula dubula awu yoh dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula awe mama ndiyekele awe mama iyeah awe mama ndiyekele awe mama iyo aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula Ayasab’ amagwala dubula dubula ayeah dubula dubula ayasab ‘a magwala dubula dubula iii yoh dubula dubala aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula awe mama ndiyekele awe mama iyo awe mama ndiyekele awe mama iyo aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula Ziyarapa lezinja dubula dubula ay iyeah dubula dubula Ziyarapa lezinja dubula dubula ay iiiyo dubula dubula Aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula Aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula Aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula Aw dubul’ibhunu dubula dubula Ayasab’ amagwala Dubula dubula Ay iyeah Dubula dubula Ayasab’ amagwala Dubula dubula Ay iyeah |
The cowards are scared shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot |
Come under scrutiny
The chant, historically rooted in anti-apartheid struggle songs, has come under scrutiny as the Democratic Alliance (DA) called for its condemnation, labeling it as inciting violence and deepening racial divisions.
In a statement, the DA said, “The song goes beyond mere words. It incites violence, stokes hatred, and undermines national unity.”
The party has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to denounce the chant and take stronger action to promote social cohesion.
President Ramaphosa responded by acknowledging the chant’s sensitive nature, but maintained that it is not a literal call to violence.
He emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and dismissed allegations of targeted violence against white farmers as exaggerated and politically motivated.
EFF leader Julius Malema has defended the chant, calling it a significant part of the country’s liberation history.
Speaking at a rally in the Free State, Julius Malema said, “I will not be silenced. This is not my song – it was composed by our struggle heroes.”
The Equality Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court have previously ruled that the chant does not constitute hate speech under South African law.
Former President Thabo Mbeki also supported the interpretation of the chant as symbolic, stating, “In our tradition, chants of that kind are not meant to be taken literally.”
Expressed concern
International figures, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, have expressed concern over the use of the chant, citing fears of rising violence against white farmers.
Flemish politician Kristof Slagmulder has urged the Flemish government to address what he terms anti-white racism in South Africa.
Local entrepreneur Rob Hersov called the chant “hate speech” and accused the government of fueling hostility through land expropriation policies.
Experts at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) warn against viewing farm attacks solely through a racial lens, noting that rural crime in South Africa stems from complex social and economic factors.
The debate over the chant continues to polarise public opinion, highlighting the challenges South Africa faces in balancing freedom of expression with its ongoing struggle for unity and reconciliation.
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