Mbalula Bans ‘Kill the Boer’ Chant, Prioritising ANC Unity and South Africa’s Global Image
Evident Makatwane 
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula addressing members of the media at the release the 2019/20 Festive Season Road Safety Report, Ronnie Mamoepa Media Room, GCIS Tshedimosetso House. 23/01/2020
Image Credit: GovernmentZA
In a decisive shift from historical tradition, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has announced that members of the African National Congress will no longer be permitted to sing the controversial struggle-era chant, “Kill the Boer,” regardless of its legal status.
Speaking during a media briefing at Luthuli House, Mbalula confirmed that while the chant has recently been ruled constitutionally protected political expression by the country’s highest court, the ANC’s internal policy will prohibit its use.
“As the ANC, we sang that song, but no member of the @MYANC today will be allowed to sing ‘Kill the Boer’. Simple as that even if the Constitutional Court said you can sing it,” Mbalula said firmly.
Historical Legacy vs. Present-Day Responsibility
The chant, also known by its isiZulu phrase “Dubul’ ibhunu,” has long been a symbol of anti-apartheid resistance. Yet, its relevance in today’s South Africa has become a point of national debate. The Constitutional Court, in a March 2025 ruling, upheld previous decisions by the Equality Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal, stating that the chant does not constitute hate speech when used in a political context.
The court described the chant as a form of “metaphorical protest” rather than incitement to violence. However, Mbalula’s announcement marks a political and ethical departure from that interpretation.
Protecting the ANC’s Reputation and Unity
Mbalula linked the ANC’s stance to broader goals of national unity, reconciliation, and international diplomacy. He referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa’s high-profile visit to the White House, noting that global scrutiny of South African politics, particularly through documentaries and media coverage, has elevated the song’s symbolism far beyond local borders.
“The president of the country went to the White House, and then you watched it live on television… he was hit by a movie there about Julius Malema and Kill the Boer,” Mbalula remarked.
While not naming specific media, the comment was likely directed at recent international portrayals of South Africa’s racial dynamics, including the controversial use of liberation slogans by political figures such as EFF leader Julius Malema, who has publicly defended the chant.
Since the 2024 general elections, the ANC has been navigating a Government of National Unity (GNU), where cross-party collaboration and public consensus are vital. Mbalula’s directive appears aimed at consolidating internal cohesion while avoiding further polarisation on sensitive racial issues.
The chant has often reignited debate around farm murders, land reform, and racial tension. Although no evidence directly links the song to farm violence, civil society groups, including AfriForum, have long campaigned against its public use.
Mixed Reactions Across South Africa
Reactions to Mbalula’s ban have been divided.
- Supporters have lauded the move as progressive, saying it demonstrates leadership maturity and a commitment to reconciliation.
- Critics, including former struggle veterans and youth activists, argue that the ANC is erasing historical expression to appease opponents and foreign interests.
Online debates also resurfaced over South Africa’s diplomatic posture with the United States, especially following Ramaphosa’s 2022 visit, where racial equity and economic diplomacy were key discussion points.
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