Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been found guilty of hate speech over remarks he made during a 2022 political rally.
At the event, Malema told supporters: “No white man is going to beat me up. You must never be scared to kill.” The Equality Court ruled the comments went beyond political rhetoric and “demonstrated an intent to incite harm.”
The EFF argued the remarks were taken out of context, but the ruling adds to Malema’s long history of controversy over racially charged speech. He was previously convicted in another case for leading the apartheid-era chant “shoot the boer”—a reference to white Afrikaner farmers—though that verdict was later overturned.
The case has drawn international attention. Earlier this year, a video of Malema was shown by former US President Donald Trump to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a White House meeting. Trump falsely claimed that the South African government was sanctioning the killing of white farmers to seize land. The US has since suspended aid to Pretoria, citing what it alleges are anti-white and anti-American policies.
Equality courts in South Africa handle cases of discrimination and hate speech. Penalties can include public apologies, financial compensation, or referral for criminal prosecution. No decision has yet been made on Malema’s sanction in this case.
Malema, a sitting lawmaker though not part of the government, continues to face criticism at home and abroad for inflammatory rhetoric. He was denied a UK visa twice this year, partly over his statements of support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
