The controversy surrounding 'Kill the Boer' and its political impact

Elon Musk has once again entered South Africa’s political debate, claiming that a major political party in the country is actively promoting "white genocide." His statement followed a video of Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), singing the anti-apartheid song Dubul’ ibhunu (“Kill the Boer”) at a rally. Musk expressed outrage over what he described as "a whole arena chanting about killing white people."

The controversy gained further traction when U.S. President Donald Trump, an ally of Musk, shared a screenshot of the post on his social media platform, Truth Social. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio condemned the song, calling it incitement to violence and urging the South African government to protect Afrikaners and other minorities.

The Meaning and History of 'Kill the Boer'

Originally a struggle song from the 1980s, Dubul’ ibhunu emerged as a form of protest against apartheid. The phrase "Boer" traditionally refers to Afrikaans-speaking farmers, but in a broader sense, it symbolizes the white Afrikaner population. The song, which repeatedly chants "Shoot the Boer," was part of the resistance movement and is often accompanied by toyi-toyi, a protest dance associated with Black political activism in South Africa.

Despite its divisive nature, the song continues to be sung in post-apartheid South Africa, particularly by political figures such as Malema and former President Jacob Zuma. The ruling African National Congress (ANC), once the dominant political force, has lost significant support in recent years, and Malema uses the song to position himself as the true voice of the ANC’s radical roots.

Julius Malema’s Role in the Controversy

Julius Malema first gained prominence in 2008 as the president of the ANC Youth League, where he strongly defended then-President Jacob Zuma. However, after being expelled from the ANC in 2012, he founded the EFF as a radical left-wing alternative. The song Dubul’ ibhunu has since become a hallmark of his political rallies.

Malema insists that singing the song is not a call for violence against white South Africans. His stance has been tested in court multiple times, with varying outcomes. While earlier rulings classified the song as hate speech, a 2022 Johannesburg High Court decision, later upheld by the Supreme Court of Appeals in 2024, ruled that Malema’s use of the song was a political tool rather than an incitement to violence.

The Allegations of 'White Genocide'

Claims of "white genocide" in South Africa, often promoted by figures like Trump and Musk, are highly controversial. While farm murders do occur, statistics from groups sympathetic to white farmers, such as AfriForum, indicate that around 60 farmers are killed annually—a fraction of the country’s overall murder rate of 19,000 per year.

Even Stephen Grootes, a veteran political analyst, recalled witnessing Malema sing the song in 2010 without feeling threatened or sensing incitement among the crowd. Nonetheless, AfriForum and Malema have both used the song to advance their contrasting political agendas.

U.S. Political Interest in the Controversy

The issue of Dubul’ ibhunu aligns with the broader political narratives of Trump’s MAGA movement, which has previously highlighted South African policies such as land expropriation and Black Economic Empowerment. Trump had raised concerns about farm murders in 2018, and his latest response aligns with his past rhetoric.

Interestingly, even AfriForum has distanced itself from the "white genocide" narrative. While the group opposes the song, it has avoided claiming that South African white farmers are being systematically exterminated. However, Musk and Trump, unbound by such constraints, have amplified the issue to fit their political agendas.

The debate over Kill the Boer is a reflection of South Africa’s complex racial and political landscape. While Malema sees the song as a revolutionary anthem, critics argue that it fosters division. Meanwhile, figures like Musk and Trump use the controversy to fuel their own political narratives, illustrating how South Africa’s struggles continue to echo on the global stage.