John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Aliance (DA), has welcomed a ruling by the Western Cape Equality Court, which found Julius Malema guilty of hate speech, calling it a significant victory for South Africa’s Constitution and the principles of a non-racial society.

The case, brought by the South African Human Rights Commission, centred on statements by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader that the DA says incited violence and division, including remarks aired during a meeting at the White House with Presidents Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa.

Steenhuisen said, “The court’s judgment affirms that no one, regardless of position or political office, is above the law...Political leaders have a responsibility to foster nation building and social cohesion, not to destroy and divide.”

He further said that while South Africa’s Constitution protects free expression, it “draws a clear line where speech incites hatred, discrimination, or violence,” and argued Malema had “repeatedly crossed that line.” The DA leader also stated that the ruling vindicates its decision to join the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying this was necessary to keep “destructive and hateful political parties like the EFF out of our nation’s government.”

In his statement Steenhuisen said that the judgment should be “a warning, and a guide to all leaders in South Africa to conduct themselves in ways that strengthen, rather than break, our society.” He confirmed that the party would be exploring further steps to ensure accountability and defend the country’s democratic values.

Viewed through the lens of constitutional democracy, the Equality Court’s decision reinforces the importance of legal boundaries on political rhetoric and the shared responsibility of leaders to uphold social cohesion.