Youth League Leader Julius Malema Convicted of Hate Speech

By Geneva Maniwong-Schlottman

               Head of the Youth League of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, Julius Malema was found guilty of hate speech for repeatedly reciting “Shoot the Boer”. The song, originally sung by South Africans at the beginning of the Apartheid, means to shoot the “farmer”- or in their case- the white farmer. Although the song is found as a part of their South African heritage, the judge, Judge Lamont, found the reciting of these songs to be unnecessary. “People must develop new customs and rejoice in a developing society by giving up old practices which are hurtful to members who live in that society with them,” Judge Lamont stated.

            In South Africa, 20% of the population is white. On Monday, the court ruled songs like “Shoot the Boer” and others as forms of hate speech. As for Malema, he was required to pay court fees and was also scheduled to meet with his political party concerning his actions. Members of the party like President Zuma find Malema’s actions as threatening to the party and are one of his main opposing forces. Zuma finds his actions as questionable and also views him as a potential downfall to the success and reputation of the ANC and his re-election. If his political party finds him guilty, Malema could either have to be suspended or be called to resign.

Resources: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/world/africa/13southafrica.html?ref=southafrica

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/09/12/world/africa/international-us-safrica-malema.html?ref=southafrica