South African Anti-Illegal Immigration Activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma Warns of Potential National Shutdown

PrimeTime News Desk Published 8 July 2026

3 min read

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Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the March and March movement, has issued a three-month ultimatum to the South African government regarding its handling of illegal immigration. She stated that if demands are not addressed, the movement will organize a more comprehensive national shutdown.

The March and March movement, founded by Ngobese-Zuma in March 2025, focuses on advocating for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, improved border security, and prioritization of South African citizens in employment, housing, and public services. The group has organized numerous demonstrations across the country, attracting significant participation and highlighting concerns over undocumented foreign nationals’ impact on crime, unemployment, and resource access.

On 30 June 2026, the movement held nationwide protests. Ngobese-Zuma clarified beforehand and afterward that these actions were not intended as a full national shutdown. Instead, they marked the start of a sustained campaign. She addressed supporters in Zulu during the events, emphasizing that the protests were the beginning of efforts to pressure authorities.

Following the 30 June protests, Ngobese-Zuma announced plans for weekly demonstrations, specifically every Thursday, over the next three months. She warned that failure by the government to respond to the movement’s demands within this period would lead to a “real” national shutdown. In her statements, she described this potential action as one “where nothing will move,” indicating a more disruptive effort than the June events.

The movement’s core demands include mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, stronger border controls, enforcement of labor and immigration laws, and action against businesses employing undocumented foreign nationals. A key element was the 30 June 2026 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, which had been communicated earlier as part of a six-month notice period. Ngobese-Zuma has stressed that the campaign targets illegal immigration specifically and is not based on nationality or race hatred, while calling for peaceful protests and cooperation with law enforcement.

Ngobese-Zuma, a former radio presenter from KwaZulu-Natal with a background in media and community activism, has positioned the movement as a citizen-led initiative. She has repeatedly accused the government of failing to secure borders and enforce existing laws, leading to socioeconomic strains on South Africans. The group claims to have submitted memorandums previously and expressed frustration over lack of meaningful engagement, including requests for meetings with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In response to the June 30 protests, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that the attempted shutdown failed, noting that schools, workplaces, transport, and the economy continued functioning normally. He credited South Africans and security forces for maintaining stability and reiterated that immigration enforcement remains the state’s responsibility.

March and March has conducted over 100 demonstrations since its inception and continues to mobilize supporters under slogans emphasizing putting South Africans first. Ngobese-Zuma has vowed to sustain pressure through ongoing weekly actions until key issues are resolved.

The developments reflect broader public debates in South Africa around immigration policy, border management, and economic opportunities. As the three-month period progresses, the movement’s planned activities and any government responses will likely shape further developments in this ongoing campaign. Ngobese-Zuma has maintained that protests should remain peaceful and focused on dialogue with authorities to address the concerns raised.