South African Equality Court Finds EFF Leader Malema Guilty of Hate Speech

The Equality Court in South Africa found Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), guilty of hate speech for remarks made during a 2022 speech that incited violence against white individuals involved in a 2020 incident at Brackenfell High School. The court ruled that Malema's statements, which included exhorting supporters to 'never be scared to kill,' constituted an incitement to harm and promoted hatred, particularly targeting white males connected to the earlier confrontation. The EFF defended the rhetoric as revolutionary language contextualized by the history of liberation struggles and criticized the ruling as an attack on democratic space. This judgment follows complaints from the South African Human Rights Commission and individuals who felt threatened by the statements, emphasizing that calling for someone to be killed, even if deemed racist, is an incitement to extreme harm. The case highlights the legal boundaries of political speech in South Africa, balancing the right to protest racism with protections against hate speech and threats. Malema has also faced international repercussions, including being denied entry to the UK due to concerns over his statements and support for militant groups.