Who is Julius Malema, the South African politician behind 'kill the farmer' chant?

Published: Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Julius Malema: The Controversial South African Politician at the Center of a Global Debate

Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, has become a focal point of international attention following calls for his arrest by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump's demand stems from Malema's repeated chanting of "kill the farmer," a phrase that has sparked controversy and debate.

Malema, a self-proclaimed Marxist-Leninist, is known for his provocative rhetoric and populist appeal. He often champions the poor while living in a luxury mansion. He has also expressed support for the militant group Hamas and has been accused of financial impropriety, including allegedly benefiting from deals that led to the collapse of the VBS bank, resulting in the loss of pension savings.

The South African government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has resisted Trump's calls for Malema's arrest. The South African Constitutional Court has ruled that the "kill the farmer" chant is not hate speech, but rather a song. However, critics argue that Malema's words, including statements like "We have not called for the killing of White people – at least for now," and "We will cut the throat of Whiteness," go beyond mere song lyrics.

Malema's political career has seen both successes and setbacks. While his EFF party gained significant support initially, its popularity has waned in recent years. Analysts suggest that Malema's controversial tactics, including his support for Hamas and his alleged involvement in financial scandals, may be contributing factors.

The situation has drawn the attention of international observers, with some suggesting that Malema could face sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act.

BNN's Perspective: The situation surrounding Julius Malema is complex, highlighting the challenges of balancing free speech with the need to address historical injustices and prevent incitement to violence. While the "kill the farmer" chant is undeniably inflammatory, the South African government's reluctance to arrest Malema reflects the sensitivity of the issue and the need to consider the context of South Africa's history. The allegations of financial impropriety and support for Hamas are serious and warrant thorough investigation, regardless of political affiliation.

Keywords: Julius Malema, South Africa, EFF, Donald Trump, kill the farmer, Hamas, VBS bank, hate speech, Afrikaner farmers, Cyril Ramaphosa, political controversy, Marxist-Leninist, South African politics, Global Magnitsky Act, South African Constitutional Court.

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