Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
04 August 2023 | 19:33 CAT

Photo by Gallo Images/Volksblad/Mlungisi Louw

The storm is brewing following Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), once again stirring controversy with his violent rhetoric during the party’s 10th-anniversary celebrations. Advocating for land redistribution, Malema chants, “Shoot to kill, Kill the Boer, the farmer!” in front of a massive crowd.

DA leader John Steenhuisen announced his party would file charges against EFF leader Julius Malema and the ANC government with the United Nations Human Rights Council. At the same time, other political parties have also expressed anger over the issue.

Political analyst Dr Omgama Mtimka told Radio Islam International the crudeness of Malema was surprising and the chant was a grave mistake.

He said the words of the chant are not of those to be used in a democratic South Africa, where our divided past as a country is acknowledged and had undertaken to heal the divisions of the past and forge a new South Africa.

Speaking on the party’s YouTube channel, Steenhuisen said he was also going to approach Parliament’s ethics committee and seek legal advice on approaching the Public Protector or going to court.

Steenhuisen announced his party’s charge with the UN would consist of two elements, with the first focusing on Malema’s repeated incitement of ethnic violence.

The second charge, against the ruling party, would deal with its alleged failure to take action against what Steenhuisen called its “one time protégé”. “Brutal farm murders continue to escalate in the wake of Malema’s demagoguery,” he said.

Meanwhile, EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said the Equality Court has already ruled that the chant doesn’t constitute hate speech.

Tambo said the DA and the ANC can do whatever they want.

“I don’t think there’s a difference between the DA and the ANC so if Cyril Ramaphosa attempts to take action against the EFF for commemorating South Africa’s liberation struggle, we won’t be shocked. The DA and the ANC are one and the same. We’re not even taking it seriously, we’re still in a celebratory mood,” says Tambo.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.