Julius Malema found guilty of hate speech as DA hails landmark court ruling
Julius Malema
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the Western Cape Equality Court’s ruling that Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is guilty of hate speech, describing the decision as a significant vindication of constitutional values and the rule of law in South Africa.
The case, initiated by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and another complainant, related to remarks Mr Malema made at an EFF rally in 2022. After hearing evidence and submissions, the court concluded that the comments were intended to incite hostility and violence, breaching the boundary between legitimate freedom of expression and unlawful incitement.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said the judgement demonstrated that South Africa’s democratic institutions remain capable of holding high-profile political figures to account. “No one, regardless of office or influence, is above the Constitution,” Mr Steenhuisen said. “This ruling confirms that hate speech will not be tolerated in our democracy.”
The DA has long warned that inflammatory rhetoric from influential political leaders corrodes social cohesion at a time when the country needs unity to tackle urgent challenges such as unemployment, poverty and inequality. The party argued the remarks in question carried consequences far beyond the rally ground, noting their potential to inflame tensions across communities.
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Mr Steenhuisen also highlighted the international dimension of the matter, saying the statements had damaged South Africa’s reputation abroad. He pointed to material shown during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent engagements overseas, which included footage of incendiary remarks at EFF events, as evidence of the international repercussions of domestic political extremism.
Reiterating the DA’s rationale for joining the Government of National Unity (GNU), the leader said one motive was to prevent parties that promote divisive rhetoric from gaining influence in national government. “Our decision to participate in the GNU was shaped by the need to safeguard democratic institutions and to ensure that parties with hate-driven platforms cannot easily access the levers of power,” he said.
Beyond welcoming the court’s decision, the DA indicated it would consider further legal and parliamentary avenues to secure accountability for conduct that it says undermines nation-building. The party said the judgement sets an important precedent by affirming that constitutional rights carry responsibilities, particularly for those who lead political movements.
The DA stressed that the ruling should serve as a reminder to all public figures that words matter. In a country striving for reconciliation and shared prosperity, leaders must foster unity rather than sow division. The party concluded by urging political actors across the spectrum to adhere to the highest standards of conduct and to use their platforms to strengthen, not fragment, the social fabric.
