Key Takeaways
- March and March will not register as a political party; instead it aims to function as an independent civic organisation modeled on AfriForum for black South Africans.
- The movement announced two new entities: the SA First Forum, a social‑justice litigation body, and the March and March Foundation, a humanitarian non‑profit.
- Leaders argue that staying outside party politics allows them to listen to concerns across the political spectrum and avoid the pitfalls seen with groups like Operation Dudula.
- They contend South Africa is unfairly labelled xenophobic and call for a direct platform at SADC meetings to voice their views on migration and regional challenges.
- Allegations of Israeli funding are dismissed, with the claim that the government would have acted if such ties existed.
- The SA First Forum plans to tackle constitutional issues—starting with a challenge to a South African Police Service circular—and to provide legal aid for disadvantaged citizens.
- The March and March Foundation will address drug abuse, youth trafficking, prostitution, inadequate shelter, and educational deficits, especially for black children.
- Long‑term vision includes building schools and other proudly South African initiatives, reinforcing the “South Africans first” principle.
- Both entities will operate as non‑profits, relying on donations and partnerships to fund litigation and community programmes.
Movement’s Decision to Remain Non‑Partisan
During a media briefing in KwaZulu‑Natal, March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese‑Zuma clarified that the organisation has no intention of registering as a political party. She acknowledged growing public pressure for the group to enter politics but argued that remaining independent better serves South Africans. Ngobese‑Zuma noted that many citizens express frustration with the democratic process, yet she believes the movement can exert more influence by staying outside partisan structures.
Public Pressure and the Leader’s Response
Ngobese‑Zuma said she perceives a strong push from supporters who feel that political party affiliation would guarantee better representation. However, she countered that joining a party would limit the movement’s ability to engage with people across the political spectrum. By staying unaffiliated, March and March can listen to anyone, irrespective of party allegiance, and address concerns without being tied to a specific political agenda.
Launch of the SA First Forum and March and March Foundation
To institutionalise its goals, the movement unveiled two new bodies. The SA First Forum is described as a social‑justice litigation organisation intended to act as a legal advocacy platform. The March and March Foundation is a humanitarian non‑profit designed to tackle pressing social ills. Both entities will operate as non‑profits, with the forum handling legal cases and the foundation delivering community‑based programmes.
Why Avoiding a Political Party Enhances Listening
Ngobese‑Zuma argued that the current political system often rewards conformity and discourages dissenting voices. She believes that by not becoming a party, March and March can maintain credibility and act as a neutral arbiter, able to receive grievances from supporters of any party. This independence, she claims, positions the movement to provide a more honest and unfiltered service to the public.
Modelling the Organisation on AfriForum
The leader explicitly confirmed that the vision is to create an “AfriForum for black South Africans.” She pointed out that many South Africans are unaware of their basic rights, which leaves them vulnerable to abuse by authorities and exploitation by foreign nationals who know the law better. By emulating AfriForum’s legal‑advocacy model, March and March hopes to empower citizens to defend their rights effectively.
Addressing SADC, Xenophobia Labels, and Regional Migration
Ngobese‑Zuma criticised the widespread labeling of South Africa as xenophobic across Africa and the world, calling it frustrating and unjust. She urged SADC to fulfil its mandate for the region’s people and suggested that the bloc should give March and March a direct speaking opportunity at its meetings. According to her, only by hearing unfiltered truths can SADC address the real challenges facing migrants and host communities.
Denial of Foreign Funding Allegations
Responding to claims that the movement receives financial support from Israel, Ngobese‑Zuma asserted that if such evidence existed, the government would have acted already—either by proving the funding or by pursuing legal action. She maintained that the accusations are baseless and that the movement’s ideology and actions are wholly home‑grown, rooted in South African concerns rather than external agendas.
Legal Advocacy Focus of the SA First Forum
The SA First Forum’s inaugural case will challenge a South African Police Service circular that the movement deems unconstitutional. Ngobese‑Zuma stressed that the forum aims to provide justice to the poorest South Africans, for whom legal redress has long been out of reach. By hiring lawyers and pursuing strategic litigation, the forum seeks to counteract systemic disadvantages faced by vulnerable groups.
Humanitarian Work of the March and March Foundation
The foundation will concentrate on a range of social crises: drug abuse among youth, human trafficking of children for sexual exploitation, inadequate housing, and limited access to basic services. Programmes will aim to get young people off the streets, rehabilitate addicts, help women exit prostitution, and reintegrate beneficiaries into society. Education, especially for black children, is highlighted as a cornerstone of the foundation’s efforts to secure South Africa’s future.
Long‑Term Vision: Schools, Shelter, and Proudly South African Initiatives
Beyond immediate litigation and relief efforts, March and March envisions building schools and other community‑owned projects that reflect a “South Africans first” ethos. Ngobese‑Zuma explained that the legal forum and foundation are interdependent—legal victories can generate resources for humanitarian work, while foundation programmes can identify communities needing legal protection. The ultimate goal is to create a self‑sustaining model where citizens can assert their rights and improve their own livelihoods.
Conclusion: A Non‑Profit Path Forward
Reiterating that both the SA First Forum and the March and March Foundation will operate as non‑profits, Ngobese‑Zuma invited like‑minded South Africans to contribute time, expertise, and funds. She concluded that by staying outside party politics, focusing on legal advocacy and humanitarian relief, and fostering pride in South African identity, the movement hopes to fill a void left by traditional political parties and deliver tangible change for the nation’s most marginalised residents.