March and March has temporarily suspended its activities while its leadership undertakes consultations through the newly established SA First Forum ahead of planned demonstrations on 30 September 2026. The movement confirmed the pause on Tuesday, 18 August, saying it is engaging with various organisations to strengthen its advocacy work and organisational structures. The announcement comes weeks after nationwide anti illegal immigration protests and signals a temporary shift from public demonstrations to consultation and planning.
The movement says the suspension is temporary and that its public activities will resume later this year.
March and March Confirms Temporary Pause
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese Zuma confirmed on Tuesday that the movement’s operations have been placed on hold while consultations continue.
Speaking about the decision, she said the current focus is on work being carried out through the SA First Forum.
“Today we do more consultations for SA First Forum. March and March work is on hold,” Ngobese Zuma said.
She indicated that the pause would allow the movement to engage with various organisations before returning to public demonstrations.
Movement Says It Is Learning From Other Organisations
According to Ngobese Zuma, the consultations are intended to help the movement learn from organisations with different advocacy models and institutional structures.
She said the movement wanted to understand how established organisations manage legal advocacy, fundraising and community initiatives.
Ngobese Zuma stressed that meeting with other organisations did not mean the movement agreed with all of their views or positions.
“It doesn’t mean that we’re saying now we’re going to be worshipping every forum. Where we disagree, we disagree,” she said.
SA First Forum Becomes the Movement’s Next Focus
The consultations form part of the work of the SA First Forum, which the movement says will focus on legal advocacy and community support.
Ngobese Zuma has previously stated that March and March is not a political party and should not be measured by the same standards as political organisations.
Instead, she said the movement intends to strengthen its advocacy through legal processes and collaboration with different stakeholders.
The SA First Forum is expected to play a central role in that strategy.
Movement Maintains Focus on Undocumented Immigration
Ngobese Zuma said the movement remains focused on undocumented immigration and the enforcement of existing laws.
She rejected suggestions that the organisation targeted people based on race.
“We’re not against anyone because of their race. The only thing we always talk about is people who are undocumented in the country,” she said.
According to the movement, stronger border management and enforcement of immigration laws remain its primary objectives.
Rejecting Allegations of Criminality
Ngobese Zuma also rejected allegations that March and March was responsible for criminal activity during previous demonstrations.
She said peaceful marches should not be confused with incidents of looting or violence.
“Looting is a criminal issue. We’re not criminals. What we do when we march is legal,” she said.
She further denied claims that the movement had physically removed foreign nationals from communities, saying people had left because they feared unrest surrounding planned demonstrations.
September Demonstrations Still Planned
Although activities have been suspended, March and March says it intends to resume demonstrations on 30 September 2026.
Ngobese Zuma said the movement would continue advocating for stronger border controls and stricter enforcement of immigration legislation.
The planned demonstrations follow nationwide protests held on 30 June, which focused on undocumented immigration and border security.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The temporary pause means no March and March activities are expected while consultations continue.
However, residents should be aware that the movement plans to resume demonstrations at the end of September. Depending on the scale of those events, authorities may prepare for increased law enforcement deployments and possible traffic disruptions in parts of Gauteng.
For now, the movement’s focus has shifted from public demonstrations to organisational planning and consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has March and March suspended its activities?
The movement says it has temporarily paused operations while leadership undertakes consultations through the SA First Forum.
Is the movement still planning demonstrations?
Yes. March and March says demonstrations are expected to resume on 30 September 2026.
What is the SA First Forum?
According to the movement, it is an initiative that will focus on legal advocacy, consultation and community support.
Is March and March becoming a political party?
No. Ngobese Zuma has said the movement is not a political party and remains a civic movement.
What is the movement’s main focus?
According to its leadership, the movement continues to focus on undocumented immigration and the enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws.
The temporary suspension of March and March’s activities marks a period of consultation and organisational planning ahead of its next phase of public demonstrations. While its street level operations remain on hold, the movement says it will continue developing its advocacy strategy through the SA First Forum before returning to public action later this year.
