During a recent high-level discussion with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, former U.S. President Donald Trump referenced a controversial chant that he has previously used to bolster claims of white genocide in South Africa allegations widely regarded as unfounded. Trump highlighted video footage of opposition politician Julius Malema chanting the phrase “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer” and raised concerns about violence against white farmers.
Trump questioned why Malema, whom he incorrectly identified as a government official, had not faced arrest over the remarks. The footage, shown during the meeting, reignited international debate around South Africa’s racial and land reform issues.
In response, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the chant in question is historically linked to the anti-apartheid liberation struggle and should be interpreted within that context.
“It’s not meant to be a message that elicits or calls upon anyone to be killed,” Ramaphosa said.
He reiterated South Africa’s commitment to constitutional principles, particularly freedom of expression.
“We are a country where freedom of expression is in the bedrock of our constitutional arrangements,” he added, dismissing calls for Malema’s arrest.
Despite the formal end of apartheid in 1994, Malema’s continued use of the chant has remained highly divisive. Critics view it as hate speech, while supporters frame it as symbolic resistance.
In addition to the chant, Malema is also seen in the White House footage declaring, “We are going to occupy land, we require no permission.” This statement has further fueled concern from Trump and others over South Africa’s evolving land reform policy.
The debate centers on a revised expropriation bill, which includes a provision for “nil compensation” in specific cases. The South African government insists that this clause would only apply under exceptional conditions, such as when owners cannot be located or are severely indebted, and the land is needed for public interest projects.
Ramaphosa explained that the legislation places judicial oversight at the core of any expropriation process to ensure fairness.
The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second-largest political party within the government of national unity, has filed a legal challenge to the “nil compensation” provision, arguing that it is susceptible to misuse.
