South Africa's equality court has found Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, guilty of hate speech following remarks that were deemed to incite harm. The court stated that while condemning racist behavior is acceptable, calling for the killing of individuals is an act of vigilantism and incitement to extreme harm. Malema and his party have rejected the ruling, arguing that his words were taken out of context and misunderstood as metaphorical or revolutionary rhetoric.

Malema has faced international criticism, including being denied entry to the United Kingdom due to concerns over his public statements and support for controversial groups. His use of anti-apartheid songs at rallies has sparked debate, with some groups seeking to ban the lyrics, though South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal has previously ruled that such songs are not meant to be taken literally.