US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell has renewed pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to publicly condemn the “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” chant, describing it as an incitement to violence and making the issue part of a wider dispute between Washington and Pretoria.
Bozell made the remarks during an interview with SABC News, saying the United States had raised the matter directly with the South African government. He said Washington wanted Ramaphosa to condemn what it considers an incitement to violence, arguing that the president could express that position even though South Africa’s courts had previously reached a different legal conclusion about the song. (IOL)
The issue is particularly sensitive because the Constitutional Court has ruled that the chant, in its historical and political context, does not amount to hate speech. Bozell acknowledged the court’s position but maintained that the United States still believes the words promote violence. His latest comments follow an earlier diplomatic dispute in March, when South Africa formally protested remarks he made about the judiciary and the court’s ruling. Bozell later clarified that the US government respects the independence and findings of South Africa’s courts. (Parliament of South Africa)
The chant has its roots in the country’s liberation struggle and has been defended by supporters as a historical political song rather than a literal call for violence. Its use has nevertheless remained deeply controversial, particularly among groups representing Afrikaner communities and farmers, who argue that the words are threatening and should not be used by political leaders.
The dispute is also part of a broader list of disagreements between Washington and Pretoria. Bozell said the United States presented South Africa with five demands in December 2025. They included concerns about the chant, rural farm safety, land expropriation without compensation, economic participation by American companies and the US refugee programme. According to Bozell, two of those matters have effectively been dealt with, while Washington remains dissatisfied with Pretoria’s response to the others. (IOL)
South Africa, however, has stressed the importance of its constitutional system and the independence of its courts. The government has also pushed back against foreign pressure over domestic policies and has previously objected to statements by Bozell that it regarded as interference in South African affairs.
The renewed disagreement over the chant comes as relations between the two countries face pressure on several fronts. The debate now extends beyond the song itself, touching on freedom of expression, the country’s liberation history, the protection of minority communities and the limits of diplomatic pressure. With Washington continuing to raise the issue, it is likely to remain part of the wider tensions between the United States and South Africa.
