ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has outlined the ruling party’s nuanced position on the controversial “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” chant, stating that while the ANC no longer considers it relevant to current politics, it won’t prevent others from using it. His comments come amid persistent debates about struggle-era songs in post-apartheid South Africa.
Speaking at a recent party event, Mbalula emphasized that the chant remains legally protected speech. “As the ANC, we’re not chanting this because we don’t believe it’s relevant today,” he said. “But we wouldn’t stop others from singing it – it’s not banned, as confirmed by the Constitutional Court.”
"As the ANC, we're not chanting 'Kill the Boer, kill the farmer' because we don't believe it's relevant at the present moment, but we wouldn't stop others from chanting it. It's not banned, it's not illegal, as it's now defined by the Constitutional Court." – ANC SG Fikile… pic.twitter.com/AteTQFkj3G
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) March 28, 2025
The chant, rooted in anti-apartheid resistance, has faced legal challenges from groups like AfriForum who argue it incites violence against white farmers. However, courts have ruled the phrase must be understood in historical context and doesn’t constitute hate speech.
Mbalula’s statement reflects the ANC’s delicate balancing act – honoring its liberation history while adapting to governing a diverse democracy. While distancing the party from the controversial lyrics, he acknowledged their continued use in political discourse, particularly by the EFF under Julius Malema, who defends the chant as symbolic protest.
Political analysts view this as a strategic middle ground. “Mbalula is threading the needle – respecting the song’s historical role while signaling the ANC’s focus on current challenges,” said one analyst.
The issue remains contentious. Some ANC members still value struggle songs as part of the party’s identity, while critics argue such chants risk deepening racial divisions. With national elections approaching, the ANC’s handling of this sensitive legacy issue may impact its unity message.
As South Africa grapples with reconciliation nearly 30 years into democracy, the debate over “Kill the Boer” continues to symbolize larger questions about historical memory, free expression, and social cohesion in a still-transforming nation.
