Civil rights organisation AfriForum and the March and March movement have formed a controversial working group, sparking sharp reactions from South Africa’s major political parties.
The announcement, made on Tuesday following a meeting between March and March founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel, outlined plans to cooperate on issues including crime prevention, border control, illegal migration and education.
The Economic Freedom Fighters responded dismissively to the development. EFF deputy president Godrich Gardee described AfriForum as “lizards” and said the party would not be distracted by them. The EFF has previously called for law enforcement to act against March and March protest actions and maintains a hostile stance toward both organisations.
The African National Congress characterised AfriForum as a reactionary organisation acting as a proxy for external interests. The governing party has described the civil rights group’s recent political actions as a “smear campaign” aimed at isolating senior ANC leadership. Protesters affiliated with March and March have previously jeered at ANC officials during demonstrations, accusing the party of failing to address illegal immigration.
Political analysts described the alliance as “bizarre” and ideologically complex, noting that it highlights a shared opposition to government failures regarding border control and policy implementation.
The collaboration will focus on community organisation, capacity building, mother-language education, peaceful coexistence and legal matters of mutual interest. Both organisations also agreed to support one another on issues relating to the rule of law and fighting crime in communities.
Ngobese-Zuma said the importance of creating a united South Africa founded on values of ubuntu, respect for cultural and religious beliefs and the rule of law is sacrosanct. She added that unsecured borders have serious consequences for the ailing economy, with skyrocketing trade in illicit goods affecting businesses and potentially resulting in job losses.
Kriel said AfriForum already collaborates with a range of organisations and communities that share its commitment to building a better future. “One can choose to cooperate where we agree and where we share common interests. We cannot allow differences on specific matters to stand in the way of cooperation that would benefit our children,” he said.
According to Barend Uys, AfriForum’s head of intercultural relations and cooperation, the organisation builds good relations based on mutual recognition and respect. AfriForum has entered into collaboration agreements with several traditional communities including AmaBhele KaJamangile, Barolong Boo Seleka and Batlokoa Ba Mota.
During the meeting, challenges arising from government failure were addressed, including the effective collapse of border control, inadequate crime prevention and the public education system’s failure.
Both organisations confirmed that the interests of communities and citizens must always be pursued peacefully and within the framework of the law, stating that violence and intimidation have no place in these efforts.
The March and March movement originated as a grassroots initiative in Durban and has gained national attention for its anti-illegal immigration campaigns. The organisation has faced criticism from human rights groups who argue that its rhetoric promotes xenophobia, allegations which Ngobese-Zuma has consistently denied.
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