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Ramaphosa Upholds ‘Kill the Boer’ Chant as Trump Accuses South Africa of Genocide

It underscores South Africa’s constitutional commitment to free expression despite growing U.S. criticism.

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South African businessman Johann Rupert, left, and South African golfers Retief Goosen, center, and Ernie Els, right, look on as President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House.
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Overview

  • President Cyril Ramaphosa cited a 2022 Constitutional Court ruling to defend the chant as a liberation slogan rather than hate speech.
  • In their May 21 Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump dimmed the lights to show video he said depicted genocide against white farmers.
  • Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema defiantly repeated the chant after Trump’s demand for his arrest, declaring he would not be intimidated.
  • The opposition Democratic Alliance condemned the slogan for inflaming racial hatred and urged legal action against incitement.
  • The diplomatic row has strained U.S.–South Africa ties and raised questions about Trump’s attendance at South Africa’s upcoming G20 summit.