By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

Anti-illegal Immigrant movement, March and March, has stated that they have no intention of becoming a political party and they have instead announced that they will serve as a “Afriforum for Black South Africans”. 

Leader of March and March, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, said at a press briefing in Kwa-Zulu Natal that there was pressure for this movement to enter into the realm of politics and said that it would be better to serve South Africans as a civic organisation.

 “I think there is a lot of pressure from people. I see people saying that they don’t want to be in a democracy, which is something that is just being thrown around” said Ngobese-Zuma. 

The organisation also announced the establishment of the SA First Forum which will serve as a social justice litigation body, as well as the March and March foundation, which will serve as a humanitarian non-profit. “People are just big on political parties.

 They believe that if March and March becomes a political party, then they will be better represented” said Ngobese-Zuma. However, fellow anti-illegal immigrant organisation, Operation Dudula, says it intends to be a political party, and Ngobese-Zuma has emphasized that the party will not take this route. 

“Currently, I do feel like the system is not conducive for people who think like us. I feel like the system is designed to get people to stay in the people. There are people in political parties who are genuinely looking out for disabled people” said Ngobese-Zuma. 

She also believes that South Africa is being unfairly labeled as a xenophobic country across Africa including in bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“It’s very frustrating that African leaders spend so much money coming to conferences like this, where they sit together and make themselves feel good about each other. SADC should achieve what it’s meant to achieve for the people. If it doesn’t, then we have to make our voices heard.” said Ngobese-Zuma.