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South African activist Jacinta Ngobese Zuma, leader of the anti-migrant group “March & March,” outlined the organization’s goals in an interview published on YouTube on July 1, 2026, stating the group seeks to “expel all foreign nationals” from the country to address economic and social challenges. The remarks, reported by multiple media outlets, mark a significant escalation in rhetoric from a movement that has gained traction amid rising xenophobic sentiment in South Africa.

Ngobese Zuma, whose organization has previously organized public demonstrations, described “March & March” as a grassroots initiative aimed at “protecting South African jobs and resources.” She cited high unemployment rates—officially 32.9% as of the first quarter of 2026—as a key motivator for the group’s actions. “Foreigners are taking our jobs, and the government is doing nothing,” she said in the interview. “We are fighting for our future.”

The interview, conducted by an independent journalist, was shared widely on social media platforms, prompting responses from both supporters and critics. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while the African Union issued a statement condemning “any form of xenophobia or discrimination.”

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Context of Xenophobic Tensions
South Africa has experienced periodic waves of xenophobic violence, with notable incidents in 2008 and 2015. A 2023 report by the South African Institute of Race Relations noted that 68% of respondents in a national survey believed “foreign nationals contribute to crime,” though the report also highlighted that economic factors, not ethnicity, most strongly correlate with crime rates.

Ngobese Zuma’s statements align with broader anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly in townships and rural areas where job insecurity is acute. However, experts caution against conflating economic hardship with xenophobia. “Policies targeting foreign nationals often ignore the structural causes of unemployment,” said Dr. Noma Dlamini, a political scientist at the University of Cape Town. “This rhetoric risks diverting attention from systemic issues.”

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Legal and Political Implications
South Africa’s Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination based on nationality, and the country is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. However, enforcement of these principles has been inconsistent. In 2022, the High Court of South Africa ruled that the government’s 2017 directive to deport undocumented migrants violated constitutional protections, a decision that was later upheld by the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Political leaders have responded to the rise of groups like “March & March” with mixed messaging. President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned xenophobia in a March 2026 address, calling it “a threat to our democracy,” while some members of his African National Congress party have privately expressed sympathy for anti-immigrant sentiments.

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International Reaction
The African Union’s statement called on South Africa to “uphold its commitments to regional solidarity and human rights.” The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also issued a statement, urging authorities to “address the root causes of xenophobia rather than scapegoating vulnerable communities.”

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized the lack of action against groups promoting hate speech. “While South Africa has robust legal frameworks, enforcement remains weak,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “This is a critical moment for the government to demonstrate its commitment to equality.”

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Public Response and Next Steps
The interview has sparked debate across South Africa, with social media platforms seeing heated exchanges between supporters of “March & March” and critics. Hashtags such as #StopXenophobia and #SouthAfricaFirst trended on Twitter, reflecting the polarized nature of the discourse.

Ngobese Zuma indicated the group plans to hold additional public forums in the coming months, though no specific dates were announced. Meanwhile, civil society organizations have called for increased community dialogue to address tensions. “We need to foster understanding, not division,” said Thandi Modise, director of the non-profit Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa. “This is a test of our collective resolve to build a more inclusive society.”

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South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has not commented on the group’s activities, but officials have reiterated their commitment to enforcing immigration laws. A spokesperson stated, “The government remains focused on protecting the rights of all residents while ensuring national security.”

As the debate intensifies, analysts suggest the coming months will be critical in determining whether South Africa can address xenophobia through policy and dialogue or if tensions will escalate further.