Kunene and Another v Malema (A2023/092235)
Kunene and Another v Malema (A2023/092235) [2025] ZAGPJHC 742 (5 August 2025)
The court held that Mr. Kunene's repeated use of the word 'cockroach' to describe Mr. Malema in a televised political debate constituted hate speech under section 10 of the Equality Act. The term 'cockroach' carries internationally recognised genocidal and dehumanising connotations, particularly in the context of political conflict, and its use was reasonably understood as intended to promote hatred and incite harm against Mr. Malema based on his political beliefs and conscience. The court rejected the argument that political affiliation cannot be a ground for hate speech, finding that consci…
Source excerpt
- Hate Speech
- Equality Act Section 10
- Political Expression
- Limits On Free Speech