AfriForum will appeal the verdict of the “Kill the Boer” chant hate speech case. The Equality Court has today declared that the chant “Kill the boer” is not hate speech.
Ernst Roets, Head of Policy and Action at AfriForum, says that this ruling creates a very dangerous precedent. The disturbing message sent with this judgment is that encouraging the gruesome murder of a certain group based on their identity is acceptable and carries no consequences.
“AfriForum works constantly with the victims of farm attacks, as well as the families of those killed in these gruesome crimes. We understand the pain and trauma these victims and survivors have to live with. We are therefore deeply disappointed with today’s verdict. There is no place in society for songs that encourage the killing of people based on their identity,” adds Roets.
“Today’s ruling proved how the political order in South Africa is becoming radicalised, especially against minorities. A political order where the incitement and romanticization of violence against minorities is sanctioned by the judiciary is not a free, democratic order, but an oppressive order. This case once again confirms that AfriForum must now focus its attention on strengthening and intensifying our safety structures and security training.”
AfriForum will urgently approach their legal team to discuss the appeal of this ruling.