President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that the controversial chant “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer” is not a literal call for violence but a historical slogan rooted in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. Speaking to reporters, Ramaphosa addressed concerns after former U.S. President Donald Trump cited the chant during a tense meeting last week. Trump shared video footage of opposition politician Julius Malema using the slogan and raised alarm over what he described as ongoing violence against white farmers, a claim South Africa has repeatedly denied.
Ramaphosa clarified that the slogan, often associated with apartheid resistance, must be understood in its political and historical context. He emphasized that South Africa’s constitution protects freedom of expression, and that past court rulings have upheld the chant’s symbolic, rather than literal, meaning. The president dismissed suggestions that Malema, who leads the Economic Freedom Fighters party, should be arrested for using the phrase.
Malema’s use of the chant continues to stir debate in South Africa, where some groups have sought to classify it as hate speech. In the same video circulated by Trump, Malema is also seen stating that land will be taken without needing permission, comments that have added fuel to concerns about land reform.
Ramaphosa responded by explaining the details of the revised land expropriation law, which includes a provision for “nil compensation” in specific cases. He stressed that such actions would involve the judiciary and apply only in situations where property owners cannot be identified, owe large debts, or where the land is needed for public interest projects. The Democratic Alliance has filed a legal challenge against the clause, warning that it could be misused.
Despite the international spotlight and political pressure, Ramaphosa maintained that South Africa remains committed to constitutional order, lawful land reform, and protecting the rights of all its citizens.
