The EFF has once again attracted controversy after singing the struggle song ‘Dubula ibhunu’ at its Sharpevill rally on Friday.
This move has earned the EFF criticism with many feeling that the ‘Shoot the boer’ lyrics are divisive in a democratic South Africa despite the Equality Court ruling that the anti-apartheid chant is not hate speech.
EFF’s Niehaus on why he chose to participate in controversial song
Speaking to The South African, EFF MP Carl Niehaus revealed that he is facing immense backlash over his decision to join in the singing of this controversial struggle chant.
“I am currently facing vicious and unrelenting attacks in both mainstream and social media for my enthusiastic participation yesterday, March 21, 2025, in the liberation struggle chant, “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer,” led by the Commander in Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), President Julius Malema, at the EFF Sharpeville Commemoration Rally at Dlomo Dam in Sedibeng. I suppose these ill-conceived attacks now target me because my skin happens to be white. The attackers seek to vilify me for honouring a cornerstone of our revolutionary history, but I stand resolute and unshaken. I am totally unfazed!”
Song a part of SA’s liberation struggle
Furthermore, Niehaus explained that the song is not simply words but a part of the nation’s struggle for liberation.
“This chant is not merely words; it is a sacred anthem of our long and arduous liberation struggle. I was taught this chant by the liberation struggle icon, Peter Mokaba, and I fondly recall rallies where he and Mama Winnie Madikizela- Mandela led us in this revolutionary cry with unyielding courage. It embodies an unapologetic truth—that our freedom from racist oppression was won through unrelenting resistance, including the armed struggle, as articulated by the great Malcolm X, that apartheid and racism must be fought, “By any means necessary.” This was the reality of our fight against the brutal apartheid regime, and it remains an undeniable pillar of our history, and ongoing liberation struggle.” Niehaus explained.
EFF MP Niehaus vows he will continue participating
In line with this, Niehaus vowed that he would continue to sign the struggle anthem despite the strong negative response he is currently experiencing.
“Let me be clear: I will continue to chant it with pride, with revolutionary fervour, and without apology, until my final breath. The struggle for true liberation is not over, and I will not be silenced by those who seek to distort or erase our history.” Niehaus concluded.
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