Land Reform Minister launches legal action against March and March’s Ndabandaba

Mzwanele Nyhontso

Pretoria – Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso has announced plans to take legal action against social activist Nkosikhona Ndabandaba over allegations made in a viral social media video.

Ndabandaba accused the minister of being involved in the abuse and eviction of black people on farms, claims Nyhontso has strongly denied, saying they are unsubstantiated and misleading.

“The Ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development has noted with serious concern recent public statements made by Mr Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, also known publicly as “Phakelumthakathi”, concerning the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Hon, Mzwanele Nyhontso,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The statements, which were circulated on social media platforms and during a podcast appearance, contain serious allegations against the Minister and the department. These include claims that the Minister is involved in the abuse of black people on farms, the eviction of Black families, and the transfer of land to White farmers.”

The ministry said the remarks damage the minister’s reputation and undermine ongoing land reform efforts, confirming that legal steps have been initiated.

“These claims harm the reputation of the minister and undermine confidence in the important work being undertaken to advance land reform, tenure security, restitution and rural development. We have instructed our legal representatives to take appropriate legal steps against Mr Ndabandaba,” says the Ministry. 

Ndabandaba made the comments while campaigning for a planned national march set for 30 June 2026, which he and the March and March movement say is a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa.

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