Ngizwe Mchunu Calls For End To Anti-Immigration Protests As March And March Rejects Appeal

Former radio personality and anti-migration activist Ngizwe Mchunu has called for an end to anti-immigration protests, saying prolonged demonstrations could harm South Africa's economy and international image.

Mchunu, who has been one of the prominent faces of the anti-migration campaign, urged fellow activists to move away from street protests, a position that has drawn criticism from leaders of the March and March movement.

Ngizwe Mchunu Says Anti-Immigration Protests Cannot Continue Forever

In a video shared on TikTok, Mchunu reflected on the nationwide March and March demonstrations held on 30 June. He said the protests had achieved some of their objectives but should not continue indefinitely.

"We are happy about the outcome of the protests. We did not achieve all that we wanted, but it was not meant to destroy the country.

"Much as we did not achieve all we wanted, we will not be marching forever. I speak this as a senior who knows how to be imprisoned. My fellow activists, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, they don’t know what it is like to be arrested and they are juniors to me."

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Mchunu's comments come months after his Durban home was set alight while he was away. He, together with Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, has been associated with demonstrations calling for the deportation of people living in South Africa unlawfully.

The protests have also coincided with several countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, repatriating some of their citizens.

March And March Rejects Ngizwe Mchunu's Call To End Protests

March and March national spokesperson Sandile Dube dismissed Mchunu's remarks, saying he is neither the founder nor a leader of the movement.

According to Dube, Mchunu had previously worked alongside the organisation through Amabhinca Nation but does not have the authority to speak on its future.

"March and March has one founder and leader, Ngobese-Zuma, who is entrusted with the responsibility to lead the movement, together with the national executive committee," said Dube.

"March and March derives its mandate from the people of South Africa through a satisfaction survey informed by inputs from the masses on the ground through its ground structures, zonal, regional and provincial systems in place."

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Dube said the organisation continues to receive support from South Africans who want stronger action against people living in the country unlawfully.

He added that the movement is calling for increased law enforcement operations aimed at removing undocumented foreign nationals from the labour market and replacing them with South African workers.

"The more we employ South Africans, the better our tax collection revenue will be as they will be employed formally within the Labour Relations Act."

The Border Management Authority said it processed the repatriation of 72,906 foreign nationals through ports of entry between 7 June and 14 July.

Migration Debate May Shift Beyond Public Protests

Global reputation expert Tshepo Matseba said Mchunu's position could signal a change in how South Africa approaches the migration debate.

According to Matseba, while opinions on illegal immigration differ, Mchunu's comments acknowledge that long-running demonstrations can carry economic, legal and social consequences.

"Regardless of one’s views, his acknowledgement that protests cannot continue indefinitely reflects the reality that sustained demonstrations carry economic, legal and social costs."

Matseba said public discussion has gradually expanded beyond xenophobia to include issues such as illegal immigration, border management, labour exploitation, illegal mining and organised crime.

"This presents an opportunity for South Africa to demonstrate that it can enforce immigration laws fairly, while protecting human rights, strengthening social cohesion and addressing the abuse of undocumented migrants through cheap labour."

He added that South Africa's international reputation would ultimately depend on whether authorities implement lawful, balanced and sustainable solutions to migration-related challenges.