EFF leader Julius Malema has reignited the controversial “Kill the Boer, the farmer” chant during a rally in Ward 16, Koppies, Free State, while heavily criticising President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to the United States.
EFF rally: What Malema said about his White House moment
Speaking to supporters ahead of the 28 May by-elections, Malema used his platform to reassert the EFF’s revolutionary rhetoric and address his recent spotlight at the White House.
At the rally, Malema lashed out at Ramaphosa, accusing him of damaging South Africa’s image by publicly acknowledging the country’s crime challenges during talks with US President Donald Trump.
“Ramaphosa killed the tourism of South Africa when he declared crime at the White House,” Malema said, adding, “You’ve got a coward President!”
Malema continued, referencing Trump’s own remarks during the meeting, where the US president described the EFF as a major political force, reportedly citing the party’s ability to fill the FNB Stadium.
“It only took Donald Trump to remind all of you that this is not a small organisation,” Malema claimed.
He further criticised any attempt to silence struggle-era songs, declaring, “I will never stop singing a song that Winnie Mandela sang. That would be a betrayal to the struggle of our people.”
He then led the crowd in chanting, “Shoot to kill, Nyamazana! Kill the Boer, the farmer!” — a chant that was also featured in a video played by Trump during the White House meeting.
Thabo Mbeki on the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant
Malema’s comments came amid ongoing scrutiny of the chant, which some view as incitement and others as symbolic. Former President Thabo Mbeki weighed in on the issue, offering historical context.
“That thing is a chant. It was a chant during the struggle days. In the African tradition, you don’t take it literally,” Mbeki said. “The ANC policy was forever against the killing of civilians. There is no MK soldier that will go kill a farmer. It’s a chant to motivate people.”
The rally also saw Malema pledge support for community initiatives, including medical assistance for residents and the distribution of free sanitary pads for girls.
The controversy follows Trump’s portrayal of the chant as evidence of a targeted campaign against white South Africans.
However, South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently dismissed claims of racial targeting in farm murders, stating that African victims consistently outnumber others.
His remarks, delivered during the release of crime statistics, highlighted the government’s focus on rural safety strategies and the broader context of farm-related violence.
The EFF continues to maintain that the chant is part of the country’s liberation heritage and that criticism from international actors, including Trump, misrepresents South Africa’s internal political dynamics and historical struggles.
