JOHANNESBURG – Hate speech charges were laid against ANC Youth League (ANCYL) deputy president Ronald Lamola for his comments on land grabs, AfriForum said on Wednesday.

The charges were lodged with police and the Equality Court.

On Tuesday, Lamola warned that government may not be able to protect white farmers if they do not give up some of their land.

He was discussing the League's strategy ahead of the ANC’s policy conference.

Lamola said land is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed in South Africa.

“There will be a moment when these service delivery protesters are going to invade land and we will no longer be able to guarantee the continued safety of ‘Mr van der Merwe’.”

AfriForum's Charl Oberholzer said the comments incite violence.

“Not only are such statements criminal, but they are also immoral and racist.”

The Transvaal Agricultural Union of South Africa (Tau) said it was "disgusted" by Lamola's comments.

Meanwhile, Lamola said AfriForum was trying to intimidate him and its hate speech case was a desperate move.

“They must just bring their ideas to the table so we can debate them.”

The Democratic Alliance has called on government to officially reject Lamola’s call for the Constitution to be changed.

(Edited by Zethu Zulu)