Ngizwe Mchunu breaks silence on March and March suspension after the controversial former Ukhozi FM presenter and anti-illegal immigration activist responded publicly to the March and March movement’s decision to suspend its working relationship with him pending an internal investigation.

The announcement has exposed growing divisions within one of South Africa’s most prominent anti-illegal immigration movements, with both sides standing firm on their positions. While the movement alleges evidence of interference aimed at weakening the organisation, Mchunu insists the campaign has already achieved many of its objectives and that endless protests are neither practical nor beneficial.

The fallout comes only weeks after nationwide anti-illegal immigration protests organised by the movement on 30 June, which attracted thousands of supporters across the country and intensified the national debate around undocumented migration and border security.

Ngizwe Mchunu responds to suspension

Ngizwe Mchunu dismissed suggestions that the suspension marked the end of his influence within the movement. Speaking in a video shared on social media, he reflected on recent campaigns and maintained that the organisation had already made a significant impact.

“My people, it became dark on the evening of Monday, July 27. We have just returned from Richards Bay, where we were fighting against the abuse of workers by Transnet,” he said.

Mchunu added that the movement’s more than 1,000 demonstrations held before the 30 June deadline had already delivered results.

“We are very happy because our actions have started to yield results,” he said.

According to Mchunu, continuing demonstrations indefinitely would not be productive.

“As much as we did not accomplish everything we set out to do, we cannot march forever. That is the truth because we have no intention of collapsing the economy.”

He also reminded supporters that he had personally faced legal consequences during previous protests.

“I speak as someone who has been arrested.”

March and March movement announces suspension

The March and March movement confirmed its decision through a statement released after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on 25 July.

National spokesperson Sandile Dube said the organisation had received a report from its governance and legal compliance unit following what he described as an extensive investigation into alleged attempts to destabilise the movement.

According to Dube, investigators examined allegations involving political figures and business interests allegedly attempting to weaken the organisation.

“The movement has come to the conclusion that these actions are orchestrated by lazy thinkers, criminals and beneficiaries of colonialism who do not see anything wrong with our youth languishing in drugs, unemployment and the dilution of our identity while they live large at the expense of our indigenous people,” Dube said.

He further alleged that investigators uncovered evidence suggesting “an offer and acceptance of gratification in exchange for the soul of the Movement and our people.”

Although no additional evidence was publicly released, Dube said the findings were serious enough for the organisation to suspend its working relationship with Mchunu pending further investigations.

Sandile Dube says trust is essential

Dube emphasised that the organisation’s leadership believed protecting the movement’s credibility was essential.

“This is a war we are prepared to fight relentlessly. We want a united South Africa, and we want to work with people we can trust,” he said.

The official statement concluded that the movement had resolved not to continue working with Mchunu until investigations were completed.

The suspension represents one of the most significant leadership disputes since the organisation gained national prominence through its immigration campaigns.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma declines to comment

Movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma declined to comment directly on Mchunu’s criticism when approached by journalists.

“I don’t have a comment,” she said.

However, the disagreement appears to deepen existing tensions within the movement following revelations that Mchunu and fellow activist Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as Phakela’umthakathi, met President Cyril Ramaphosa shortly before the nationwide protests.

Ngobese-Zuma later revealed that she had not been informed about the meeting despite repeatedly requesting an opportunity to engage directly with the President herself.

Meeting with President Ramaphosa sparks questions

The suspension follows public scrutiny surrounding Mchunu’s meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mchunu and Ndabandaba were received by the Presidency as government attempted to engage with leaders associated with nationwide demonstrations against undocumented migrants.

Following the meeting, Ngobese-Zuma stated she had not been consulted beforehand and did not know what discussions had taken place.

She also questioned why repeated requests from her office to meet Ramaphosa had gone unanswered.

“We’ve sent several requests to meet with him, but he has not responded to any of them,” she said.

When asked whether she would accept an invitation if offered, she responded:

“Well, if he wanted to meet us, he would have done it by now, but I guess it’s the Zuma surname.”

Criticism of movement leadership

During his response, Mchunu also criticised Ngobese-Zuma and Ndabandaba, suggesting they lacked the experience needed to guide the organisation through its next phase.

“My fellow leaders, Phakela and MaNgobese, are junior to me. They are excited by everything, including the limelight and relevance.”

He added that his priorities had changed.

“I am no longer excited. I have become a visionary. Now I know what to do and when to do it.”

Mchunu argued that leadership should focus on protecting the movement rather than pursuing publicity.

“When someone is weak, someone else has to protect everyone. We must lift one another up.”

Anti-illegal immigration protests continue

Despite the leadership dispute, the anti-illegal immigration protests championed by the movement are expected to continue.

Ngobese-Zuma previously announced that demonstrations would be held every Thursday for three months until government responded to the organisation’s demands.

The movement argues that stronger enforcement against undocumented migration is necessary to protect employment opportunities, public services and community safety.

Government, meanwhile, has maintained that immigration enforcement must remain within the rule of law while addressing criminal activity associated with illegal migration.

Growing divisions within the movement

Political analysts say the public disagreement could affect the movement’s future direction.

The March and March campaign rapidly gained attention through coordinated demonstrations held across South Africa, attracting supporters concerned about undocumented migration, border security and law enforcement.

However, internal disagreements over leadership, engagement with government and future strategy now threaten to divide the organisation at a critical stage.

Whether Mchunu’s suspension becomes permanent will depend on the outcome of the internal investigation, while his supporters continue to back his leadership and influence.

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Future of the March and March movement

For now, both parties remain committed to their respective positions.

The movement insists its investigation will continue independently, while Mchunu maintains that the campaign has already achieved substantial success and that future strategies should evolve beyond constant street demonstrations.

The dispute highlights the growing challenges facing activist organisations as they balance public mobilisation, internal governance and engagement with political leaders.

As investigations continue, many supporters will be watching closely to see whether reconciliation is possible or whether the split signals a permanent fracture within one of South Africa’s most visible anti-illegal immigration campaigns.

With public attention focused on the dispute, the coming weeks are expected to determine both Ngizwe Mchunu’s future relationship with the movement and the broader direction of its campaign.

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