Ngizwe Mchunu faces backlash after calling halt to protests
Ngizwe Mchunu faces backlash after calling halt to protests after the former radio personality and anti-immigration activist urged fellow campaigners to end nationwide demonstrations, arguing that continued protests were damaging South Africa’s economy and international reputation.
Mchunu’s comments sparked sharp criticism from leaders within the March and March movement, who rejected his call and insisted that demonstrations would continue until government authorities addressed concerns over illegal immigration and border security.
The public disagreement has reignited the South Africa migration debate, with supporters and critics divided over whether continued street protests remain the best way to pressure government into taking stronger action against undocumented migration.
Ngizwe Mchunu says protests cannot continue forever
Ngizwe Mchunu, who has been one of the prominent faces of recent anti-immigration protests, announced that he would no longer participate in marches aimed at highlighting concerns over illegal immigration.
Speaking in a video shared on TikTok following the nationwide March and March protests held on 30 June, Mchunu said the demonstrations had already achieved significant public awareness but warned that endless protests could begin harming South Africa’s economy.
He argued that the objective was never to destabilise the country but rather to encourage authorities to enforce immigration laws more effectively.
“We are happy with what has been achieved,” Mchunu said.
“Although we did not accomplish everything we wanted, we cannot march forever because the country also needs economic stability.”
He also appealed directly to Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and fellow activist Nkosikhona Ndabandaba to reconsider ongoing demonstrations.
March and March protests reject Mchunu’s position
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma’s movement distances itself
Mchunu’s comments were met with immediate resistance from the leadership of the March and March protests.
National spokesperson Sandile Dube stated that Mchunu was not a founder or official leader of the movement but merely a former ally through his organisation, Amabhinca Nation.
According to Dube, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma remains the sole founder and recognised leader entrusted with guiding the movement alongside its national executive committee.
He rejected the suggestion that the movement should halt its campaign, saying the organisation derives its mandate directly from South Africans who continue demanding stricter enforcement against illegal immigration.
Dube maintained that communities across the country remain frustrated with what they see as inadequate border control and insufficient action against undocumented foreign nationals.
Ngizwe Mchunu’s remarks spark wider debate
The disagreement between Mchunu and March and March leaders has exposed growing differences within South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration campaign.
While many supporters welcomed Mchunu’s call for a more measured approach, others accused him of abandoning the movement’s objectives before meaningful policy changes had been achieved.
Some activists argued that sustained pressure remains necessary to ensure government departments prioritise immigration enforcement, while others believe discussions should now shift toward legal and institutional reforms instead of continued street mobilisation.
The debate has unfolded on social media, where supporters of both sides have expressed strong opinions regarding the future direction of the movement.
Anti-immigration protests continue across South Africa
Movement insists pressure must remain
The anti-immigration protests have become one of South Africa’s most discussed civic movements over recent months.
Campaign organisers have consistently demanded:
- Stronger border security.
- Faster deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
- Greater employment opportunities for South African citizens.
- Increased law enforcement operations targeting illegal immigration.
According to Dube, many South Africans believe undocumented migrants contribute to pressure on public services and the labour market.
He argued that increasing formal employment opportunities for South Africans would also strengthen tax collection and improve economic growth.
The movement insists its demonstrations will continue until authorities implement stronger immigration enforcement measures.
Border Management Authority reports thousands repatriated
The ongoing South Africa migration debate has coincided with increased immigration enforcement activities.
The Border Management Authority recently announced that it processed the repatriation of 72,906 foreign nationals through South Africa’s ports of entry between 7 June and 14 July.
The figures have become central to discussions surrounding immigration enforcement, with supporters of tougher border controls arguing they demonstrate the scale of undocumented migration.
Meanwhile, human rights organisations continue calling for lawful immigration enforcement that respects constitutional rights and international obligations.
International attention on South Africa migration debate
The recent demonstrations have also attracted attention beyond South Africa’s borders.
Countries including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have reportedly facilitated the return of some of their citizens following heightened tensions linked to the protests.
The developments have placed South Africa’s immigration policies under greater international scrutiny while highlighting broader regional migration challenges affecting Southern Africa.
Observers say balancing national security, labour market concerns and human rights will remain one of government’s biggest policy challenges.
Expert sees shift in South Africa migration debate
Calls for policy solutions over protests
Global reputation expert Tshepo Matseba believes Mchunu’s announcement could represent a turning point in the South Africa migration debate.
According to Matseba, Mchunu’s acknowledgement that demonstrations cannot continue indefinitely reflects the economic, legal and social costs associated with prolonged protests.
He suggested the national conversation may now move away from continuous public demonstrations toward institutional solutions, stronger border management and improved law enforcement.
Matseba also argued that South Africa has gradually shifted international attention from accusations of xenophobia toward broader discussions surrounding illegal immigration, organised crime, labour exploitation and border security.
He believes the country now has an opportunity to demonstrate that immigration laws can be enforced fairly while protecting human rights and strengthening social cohesion.
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Ngizwe Mchunu’s call divides public opinion
The political fallout following Ngizwe Mchunu faces backlash after calling halt to protests highlights the complex and deeply emotional nature of immigration debates in South Africa.
While some believe ongoing protests remain necessary to maintain pressure on authorities, others argue lasting solutions will only come through legislation, effective border management and institutional reform.
As the March and March protests continue under the leadership of Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, Mchunu’s decision to distance himself from future demonstrations marks a significant development within the country’s anti-illegal immigration movement.
Whether his appeal signals the beginning of a broader shift toward policy engagement or simply reflects divisions among protest leaders remains to be seen.
For now, the South Africa migration debate continues to shape public discourse, with immigration, employment, border security and economic stability remaining among the country’s most contentious issues.
References
- The Citizen. (2026). Ngizwe Mchunu faces backlash after calling halt to protests. Available at: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/ngizwe-mchunu-faces-backlash-after-calling-halt-to-protests/ (Accessed: 31 July 2026).
- IOL. (2026). ‘We can’t march forever,’ Ngizwe Mchunu breaks silence after March and March suspension. Available at: https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-07-28-we-cant-march-forever-ngizwe-mchunu-breaks-silence-after-march-and-march-suspension/ (Accessed: 31 July 2026).
- The Guardian. (2026). ‘Extreme fear’ among immigrants as backlash sweeps South Africa. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/08/extreme-fear-among-immigrants-as-backlash-sweeps-south-africa (Accessed: 31 July 2026).
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