South Africa's March and March movement intensifies xenophobic unrest

The anti‑immigration movement March and March, led by former radio host Jacinta Ngobese‑Zuma, has escalated protests across South Africa, resulting in the killing of foreign nationals and the displacement of thousands. The group claims to be non‑partisan and says it opposes violence, focusing on legal processes, documentation and deportations of undocumented migrants.

Political analysts and trade‑union officials allege links between March and March and Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, citing the involvement of MK candidates and alleged funding coordination. The MK party denies formal alignment but has expressed support for the movement’s anti‑illegal‑immigration stance. South African authorities have condemned the xenophobic violence and pledged increased police monitoring, while diplomatic missions from other African nations work to repatriate affected citizens.