The FF Plus finds it a pity that the unpleasant “Shoot-the-Boer” case will still be dragging on for several months to come. It is very bad for relations in South Africa and creates a minefield for possible further racism in a time when we cannot afford it. Quick clarity as to how far freedom of speech stretches, which is hate speech and what is ANC history which is acceptable in 2011, is needed.

This was the reaction of Dr. Pieter Mulder, FF Plus leader, following the South Gauteng High Court’s decision to grant leave to appeal to the ANC against judge Lamont’s hate speech judgment.

“The ANC’s decision to appeal the court judgment sends a negative message into the world about relations in South Africa. In overseas countries there is great confusion as to why the ANC finds it necessary to appeal a judgment which declared “Shoot the Boer” as hate speech. Although the message is an over-simplification of the situation in South Africa, it cannot be expected of the South African and international community to understand all the intricacies of ANC politics,” Dr. Mulder, who had just returned from abroad, said.

In 2003 (17 July 2003) the FF Plus succeeded in having Peter Mokaba’s slogan “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” declared as hate speech by the Human Rights Commission. Against this background, the FF Plus expresses the hope that the Appeals Court will come to the same conclusion as the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Court. It is the only way in which we could bring an end to this unpleasant chapter in South Africa’s history.