Zuma backs March and March protests but warns against xenophobia - IOL

Former President Jacob Zuma has backed up March and March in their protests against illegal immigrations.

Former president Jacob Zuma has thrown his support behind March and March’s campaign against illegal immigration, urging the movement to continue its protests while warning that demands for stricter immigration enforcement must not descend into xenophobia or violence.

The MK Party president met the movement’s leadership on Tuesday, recognising its efforts to pressure authorities over undocumented immigration and the enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws.

Led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, March and March has staged protests across major cities, demanding the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, tighter border controls and the prioritisation of employment opportunities for South Africans.

According to the MKP, Zuma encouraged the activists not to be intimidated as they continued raising their concerns.

The party said the engagement also reflected mutual recognition, with March and March acknowledging the MKP’s contribution to issues affecting South Africans.

“This mutual recognition reflects the importance of dialogue, cooperation and engagement between political organisations and community movements on matters of national interest,” the party said.

The MKP maintained that foreign nationals without lawful immigration status must regularise their stay or return to their countries of origin through legal processes.

It also called for decisive government action on unemployment, border security, pressure on public services and the protection of local economic opportunities.

However, the party drew a clear distinction between enforcing immigration legislation and targeting foreign nationals.

It stressed that immigration enforcement must never be used to justify xenophobia, discrimination or violence, insisting that every individual’s dignity and human rights must be respected.