Fikile Mbalula Accuses Jacob Zuma Of Fueling Anti-Migrant Tensions Ahead Of June 30 Protests

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has criticised former president Jacob Zuma over his endorsement of the “Mabahambe” slogan, accusing the MK Party leader of encouraging anti-migrant sentiment ahead of planned protests on 30 June.

Mbalula made the remarks as political tensions continue to rise over demonstrations calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. More than 20 organisations, including the March and March movement, are expected to take part in the nationwide protests.

His comments come as police prepare for the demonstrations by increasing security across the country.

Fikile Mbalula Says Jacob Zuma’s ‘Mabahambe’ Slogan Is Irresponsible

Addressing journalists in Johannesburg on Thursday, Mbalula said Zuma’s backing of the slogan and the planned demonstrations could inflame tensions.

He accused the former president of aligning himself with the March and March movement for political gain.

“Jacob Zuma has endorsed March and March and effectively embraced its position. His secretary-general has mentioned me and the president by name in defence of illegal activities,” Mbalula said.

“They have not stood up for principle. I have listened carefully to traditional leaders, including the king, who has been very responsible and clear that the government must address immigration issues without resorting to actions that undermine social cohesion.”

Mbalula also argued that many of South Africa’s current immigration challenges developed while Zuma was serving as president between 2009 and 2018.

“Jacob Zuma is an elder in this country. He was president, and South Africans are failing to hold him accountable for things that happened under his watch. He understands the immigration challenges we are dealing with, yet today he is joining the debate irresponsibly,” he said.

“How can someone who was a leader not so long ago appear on a public platform and call for actions that could fuel violence? Does he understand the consequences? These people do not know what they are talking about.”

June 30 Protests Prompt Increased Police Security

The planned protests are being organised by several anti-illegal immigration groups, including the March and March movement.

Organisers have insisted that the demonstrations will remain peaceful, although March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has said her organisation will not accept responsibility if violence breaks out.

Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia has warned that authorities will not tolerate criminality, intimidation, incitement to violence or damage to property.

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Government has also allocated more than R600 million towards a national security operation ahead of the demonstrations.

While the MK Party, ActionSA and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have expressed support for the protests, the government has maintained that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state.

Political Analyst Says ANC And MK Party Are Pushing Competing Narratives

Political analyst Dr Bernard Sebake, Dean of Students at the Central University of Technology in the Free State, said Zuma was using the immigration debate as part of his role as an opposition leader.

“In terms of the ability to guard South Africa’s borders, we have illegal immigrants because of shortcomings in the system that has been put in place to manage the flow of migrants entering the country in different ways,” Sebake said.

“And, on the other hand, what Mr Zuma is doing is the work any opposition party is expected to do in competing for voters’ support in a democratic society. It is part of its oversight role and an attempt to use this platform to win support from voters.”

Sebake said Mbalula’s argument is that Zuma cannot distance himself from challenges that existed while he was president.

“Therefore, he cannot now claim to support measures that he failed to implement during his term in office. That is the argument Mr Mbalula is making in response to what Mr Zuma is trying to achieve through the MK Party,” he said.

He added that Zuma’s campaign was “nothing but a political gimmick” aimed at weakening the ANC by appealing to voters frustrated with the country’s immigration challenges.

SurgeZirc SA contacted MK Party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu for comment on Mbalula’s remarks, but no response had been received at the time of publication.