AfriForum, the influential Afrikaner lobby group, is now planning to escalate its battle against the controversial struggle song “Kill the Boer” by taking the issue to the United Nations (UN).
This move comes after the Constitutional Court dismissed their appeal against a ruling from the Supreme Court of Appeal, which stated that the chant does not qualify as hate speech.
For AfriForum and its supporters, this ruling is seen as a dangerous precedent.
AfriForum’s Response to Court’s Decision
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel voiced his discontent with the decision, arguing that the song, which has been used in South Africa’s struggle history, continues to provoke and inflame tensions.
Kriel described the chant as deeply harmful to the dignity of Afrikaners, particularly those in rural farming communities.
According to him, the song stirs fear and anxiety, even among children, who may not fully understand its context but can still perceive it as a threat.
Kriel also criticized the South African judiciary, suggesting that some judges are increasingly influenced by their personal ideologies rather than an objective interpretation of the Constitution.
He expressed concern that the Constitutional Court’s judgment indicates that the rights of Afrikaners may no longer be adequately protected in South Africa.
AfriForum’s Commitment to Pursuing International Action
Despite the legal setback, Kriel made it clear that AfriForum would not back down. The group is now looking beyond South Africa’s courts to international platforms for support. Specifically, AfriForum plans to bring the issue to the UN, arguing that the song violates the dignity and rights of Afrikaners and farmers. Kriel emphasized that this fight is not only about the song itself but also about ensuring that the rights of Afrikaners are safeguarded in the post-apartheid era.
Julius Malema’s Response and Ongoing Support for the Song
Meanwhile, Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), celebrated the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of AfriForum’s appeal.
Malema, who has been a vocal supporter of the song, vowed to continue singing “Kill the Boer” as part of his party’s revolutionary rhetoric.
This statement further fuels the division around the song’s meaning and its role in South Africa’s political landscape.
What’s Next for AfriForum and South Africa’s Legal Landscape?
The debate over whether “Kill the Boer” constitutes hate speech is far from over, and AfriForum’s next steps may involve engaging with international bodies, including the UN.
The group’s persistence highlights the ongoing tensions around identity, freedom of speech, and the legacy of South Africa’s past.
What do you think about the “Kill the Boer” controversy and the role of South Africa’s courts in such matters? Leave a comment or reach out via WhatsApp to continue the conversation.