Cape Town – Former president Jacob Zuma has met with the leadership of anti-illegal immigration movement March and March, with his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party reiterating its support for stricter enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, comes amid growing tensions over illegal immigration, border security and the movement’s demands for the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
The MK Party said Zuma acknowledged the work done by March and March in raising concerns about illegal immigration and the enforcement of immigration laws.
[MEDIA STATEMENT]
STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE MEETING BETWEEN H.E PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA AND THE LEADERSHIP OF MARCH AND MARCH. https://t.co/qxtQFNUe3Z— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) November 3, 2026
The party’s spokesperson, Sifiso Mahlangu, said both organisations recognised each other’s contributions to addressing issues affecting South Africans.
“Equally, March and March acknowledged the work and contribution of the MK Party in addressing 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,” Mahlangu said.
He reiterated the party’s position that undocumented foreign nationals must either regularise their immigration status or return to their countries of origin through lawful processes.
WATCH🚨
MK Party President Jacob Zuma met with March and March leaders today and encouraged them to continue their protests against illegal immigration, urging them not to be intimidated. https://t.co/FjBSc6CVt4
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) November 3, 2026
“The MK Party reiterates its position that illegal and undocumented foreign nationals who do not have lawful immigration status in South Africa must regularise their stay or return to their countries of origin through lawful processes,” he said.
Mahlangu added that unemployment, border security, pressure on public services and protecting local economic opportunities required decisive government intervention.
However, the party cautioned against using immigration enforcement as justification for discrimination or attacks on foreign nationals.
“The MK Party emphasises that enforcing immigration laws must never become an excuse for xenophobia, discrimination or violence. The dignity and human rights of every individual must be respected,” Mahlangu said.
March and March, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has staged protests across the country demanding stricter border controls, mass deportations and the prioritisation of employment opportunities for South Africans.
UMkhonto weSizwe Party President, uNxamalala, met with leaders of the March and March movement to clarify statements allegedly distorted by other political parties and address attempts to mislead the public and create confusion among voters ahead of Election Day. https://t.co/FHWAVk01Pq
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) November 3, 2026
The movement has, however, faced criticism over allegations of xenophobic rhetoric and violence associated with some of its demonstrations.
MK Party’s growing support for the movement
The meeting follows earlier indications of the MK Party’s support for March and March’s campaign.
In June, TimesLIVE reported that the party acknowledged the concerns raised by the movement, although it initially clarified that it had neither formally aligned itself with nor endorsed the organisation.
The party’s then secretary-general, Sibonelo Nomvalo, said: “We recognise the March to March movement and the concerns it raises for our communities, particularly regarding immigration.”
Meanwhile, EWN previously reported that the MK Party and the Inkatha Freedom Party had called for peaceful demonstrations, warning that intimidation and violence would not resolve concerns about illegal immigration.
The latest engagement highlights the growing prominence of immigration enforcement as a political issue ahead of South Africa’s local government elections.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
