EFF to use 'Kill the Boer' for 2026 elections

The Economic Freedom Fighters insist on the use of the struggle song as a rallying cry ahead of the polls

- Mandisa Nyathi

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has said they will use the controversial struggle song Dubul’ iBhunu (Kill the Boer) as a central feature of the political identity and campaign strategy ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The party’s stance has drawn criticism from civil society, political opponents and international leaders after party leader Julius Malema said he believes the attention he received from the White House last week will boost the EFF’s support ahead of the municipal elections next year.

Last week, United States President Donald Trump, in a bilateral meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, used a video montage of Malema chanting the song as evidence of white genocide in South Africa.

Ramaphosa rejected the accusation, stating that the South African government does not support violence or racism.

The president said the country’s land reform process was being pursued within constitutional parameters, and reiterated that there was no state-sanctioned targeting of white farmers.

Despite the discord, Malema has since leaned into the international attention, describing the incident as proof of the party’s global relevance.

“The EFF is more powerful now. Everybody said the EFF is dead and irrelevant, only to find it in the Oval Office,” he said. “Even Donald Trump is watching us.”