Durban, South Africa — The leader of the controversial March and March Movement, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, is expected to present herself at a police station on Tuesday morning after the South African Police Service (SAPS) reportedly decided to press charges against her for incitement to public violence linked to anti-immigrant protests.
Ngobese-Zuma’s organisation, which has drawn significant attention in recent weeks through demonstrations targeting the admission of foreign national pupils at Addington Primary School in Durban, said the expected charges amounted to an attack on citizens fighting for the rights of the marginalised.
“The State’s attitude towards South African citizens fighting for the rights of the disenfranchised is deeply concerning,” March and March said in a statement. The movement insists that its actions have been peaceful and driven by grievances from parents whose children were unable to secure school placements.
Protests Spark Wider Debate on School Admissions and Xenophobia
The protests began earlier this month when March and March and allied groups rallied outside Addington Primary, alleging that the school favoured children of foreign nationals — a claim disputed by education officials. According to official data cited by civil rights groups, the majority of learners enrolled are South African, and only a small minority are undocumented.
Civil society organisations, including the Southern Africa Refugee Organisations Forum (SAROF), have sharply criticised the demonstrations as xenophobic and dangerous, warning that they fuel discrimination and put children’s safety at risk. SAROF also noted that such actions could undermine the rule of law by normalising vigilante behaviour.
Education authorities emphasise that South African schools are obliged under law to admit all learners regardless of nationality, and that any concerns about capacity must be handled through formal channels rather than protests.
Logistical Strains and Unplaced Learners
The admissions dispute has highlighted ongoing challenges in the public education system. Some South African parents say their children were left without placements, with dozens still unplaced as the new school year progresses — a situation Ngobese-Zuma has used to bolster her movement’s claims.
Tensions at Addington have at times escalated into confrontations between local and foreign parents, prompting police interventions and calls for dialogue between community representatives and school management.
Movement Portrayed as Both Advocate and Provocateur
While March and March frames itself as a voice for South African parents frustrated with overcrowded classrooms and perceived resource shortages, critics argue that its tactics — including blockades and confrontational rhetoric — exacerbate social divisions and unfairly target migrant families.
Ngobese-Zuma’s decision to voluntarily surrender to police appears aimed at positioning her as a principled, law-abiding activist. Authorities have not publicly commented on the alleged charges.
As the situation unfolds, the standoff at Addington Primary has become a focal point in broader national debates over immigration, education access and how communities navigate competing rights and responsibilities in an era of heightened social tension.
Article written by:
Thabile Duma
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
