Trump and Rubio blast Malema’s ‘Kill the Boer’ chant – US pledges protection for Afrikaners

Julius Malema

Cape Town – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned the “Kill the Boer” chant, calling it a violent and provocative message that jeopardizes the safety of minority groups in South Africa.

In a statement issued on social media, Rubio emphasised that the chant, which has been used in various political and social contexts across the country, incites violence against Afrikaners and other marginalised communities.

He urged South Africa’s political leaders to take immediate action to address the issue and safeguard vulnerable populations.

“‘Kill the Boer’ is a chant that incites violence. South Africa’s leaders and politicians must take action to protect Afrikaners and other disfavored minorities,” Rubio said on X.

The Secretary of State also said that the United States is prepared to offer asylum to individuals who qualify, citing growing threats to their safety.

“The United States is proud to offer those individuals who qualify for admission to our nation amid this continued, horrific threat of violence,” he said.

Robio’s remarks follow EFF leader Julius Malema’s chanting of the controversial “Kill the Boer” song on Human Rights Day last Friday, amidst growing tensions between the US and South Africa, particularly concerning the country’s land expropriation policies and its stance on Israel.

US President Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue, joining the controversy surrounding Malema’s performance of the “Dubul’ ibhunu” chant.

Trump shared a screenshot of Elon Musk’s tweet on his Truth Social platform, which raised concerns about a major South African political party allegedly promoting white genocide.

Musk referenced a recent video of Malema leading a crowd in chanting “Kill the Boer,” saying, “Very few people know that there is a major political party in South Africa that is actively promoting white genocide. The video below was just yesterday. A whole arena chanting about killing white people.”

Musk further criticised the lack of international media coverage, asking, “Where is the outrage? Why is there no coverage by the legacy media?” He also drew attention to what he perceives as racial discrimination in South Africa, claiming, “Starlink can’t get a license to operate in South Africa simply because I’m not black. How is that right?”

Musk’s comments also touched on the South African government’s recent land reform policies. He referenced the Expropriation Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on January 23, 2025, which permits the expropriation of land without compensation under specific circumstances to address historical land ownership imbalances stemming from apartheid.

“A month ago, the South African government passed a law legalising the taking of property from white people at will with no payment,” Musk said.

The law has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step toward rectifying past injustices and promoting more equitable land distribution.

Opponents, however, express concerns about potential economic impacts and property rights violations.

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