The ‘March and March’ movement has intensified public debate over illegal immigration in South Africa, organising nationwide protests that the ANC’s Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has labelled chaotic and politically motivated. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of ‘March and March’, has firmly rejected ANC claims linking her movement to the MK Party, instead asserting that the backlash is fuelled by concerns related to former President Jacob Zuma.

ANC Condemns Protests, Acknowledges Border Struggles

On 26 June 2026, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula publicly criticised the ‘March and March’ protests, denouncing them as disruptive and driven by political agendas rather than genuine policy concerns, according to statements reported by South Africa Today and other outlets. However, Mbalula has also recognised the reality of South Africa’s border challenges, stating, “We have got a challenge of illegal immigrants, which manifests itself by way of human trafficking, drugs and all of that,” during remarks quoted by The Citizen on 26 May 2026.

Despite the condemnation, the ANC has faced persistent criticism over the perceived ineffectiveness of its immigration policies and porous borders. Public concern around issues such as drug trafficking and exploitation tied to undocumented migration continues to build, with official debate intensifying as civic movements expand their reach.

Movement Leader Rejects MK Party Ties

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma responded to ANC claims on 2 July 2026, emphatically distancing ‘March and March’ from the MK Party. She argued that recent allegations serve as political distraction, telling reporters, “I told you guys that the issue here is not March and March but the fear of Jacob Zuma,” as cited by Joburg ETC.

Ngobese-Zuma’s position underscores ongoing attempts to differentiate grassroots protest activity from broader party politics, reflecting a wider national debate on identity and accountability. The ‘March and March’ movement’s public rejection of alignment with formal political blocs indicates a determination to frame the immigration issue as one of direct community justice, rather than partisan loyalty.

The ANC is expected to address questions of border control and civic unrest in forthcoming policy statements, as contestation over immigration and national security remains a pressing issue for both governance and public safety.