The 30 June march against illegal immigrants in Pretoria en route to Sunnyside police station.
Image: Timothy Bernard / ANA Studio
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement has thrown its support behind the nationwide ‘March and March’ anti-illegal immigration campaign, describing Tuesday’s demonstrations as the largest protest action South Africa has witnessed since the advent of democracy in 1994.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation praised the campaign’s leaders, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as Phakel’umthakathi, and Ngizwe Mchunu, for what it described as a peaceful, well-organised and successful day of action against illegal and undocumented immigration.
“The protest action stands as the largest national protest action in South Africa since 1994,” the movement said.
It added that the campaign had mobilised thousands of South Africans across the country in “a unified and determined call for the restoration of order, sovereignty and service delivery to South African nationals.”
The movement said it aligned itself with what it described as the concerns of ordinary South Africans and criticised politicians whom it accused of dismissing or misrepresenting the motivations behind the demonstrations.
“Mayibuye always associates with the voices of the people of South Africa and will never join the conspiratorial and at times foolish mischaracterisation of the voices of the people done by both misguided and corrupt politicians,” the statement said.
The organisation also rejected suggestions that the protests had been funded or coordinated by outside interests, allegations that have been raised by some political parties and civil society organisations.
“Mayibuye rejects the notion driven by the neoliberal elite and failed politicians that these protests are sponsored by nefarious and external forces and elements. These are authentic voices of ordinary people,” it said.
According to the movement, its members participated in marches across the country “without an inch of opportunism” and said predictions that the demonstrations would descend into violence had proved unfounded.
“Doomsayers who anticipated violence have been profoundly disappointed by the discipline and order displayed,” the statement said.
The organisation concluded by commending the campaign’s leadership and encouraging continued activism.
“We commend and appreciate the leadership provided by Jacinta Ngobese Zuma, Nkosikhona Ndabandaba (Phakel’umthakathi) and Ngizwe Mchunu,” it said, urging the March and March campaign and broader civil society to “fight on and never retreat in the struggle against illegal and undocumented immigration.”
Tuesday’s demonstrations form part of a growing national debate over immigration enforcement, border management and service delivery.
The protests have prompted responses from political parties, civil society organisations and government leaders, exposing deep divisions over both the issues raised by demonstrators and the tone of the campaign.
Supporters argue the marches reflect growing public frustration over illegal immigration, crime, strained public services and weak border controls.
Critics, however, have warned that the rhetoric surrounding the campaign risks fuelling xenophobia and violence against foreign nationals, even where organisers insist their focus is on undocumented immigration rather than migrants more broadly.
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