Floyd Shivambu Meets Jacinta MaNgobese Zuma as Immigration Debate Intensifies Across South Africa
Mayibuye Afrika Movement and March and March agree on joint action amid growing anti-immigration protests
JOHANNESBURG – As tensions around undocumented immigration continue to dominate public debate across South Africa, Mayibuye Afrika Movement President Floyd Shivambu has held high-level talks with March and March leader Jacinta MaNgobese Zuma.
The bilateral meeting, held on Monday, comes at a time when anti-immigration protests are spreading across various parts of the country, placing the issue firmly at the centre of South Africa’s political and social discourse.
In a statement released after the meeting, the Mayibuye Afrika Movement said both organisations share a common position on undocumented immigration and its impact on South Africa.
The parties expressed concern about the growing number of undocumented foreign nationals entering the country and argued that the issue requires urgent attention from both government and society.
Speaking after the discussions, Shivambu said illegal and undocumented immigration presents significant challenges for South Africa’s internal security and planning processes.
“Illegal and undocumented immigration poses an internal security risk and complicates planning in the allocation of resources,” said Mayibuye Afrika Movement President Floyd Shivambu.
The movement also criticised sections of the private sector, accusing some employers of taking advantage of undocumented migrants through employment practices that it says contribute to the problem.
According to the statement, both organisations agreed to strengthen cooperation through a series of joint seminars, workshops and public lectures. These initiatives are expected to bring together citizens and stakeholders concerned about undocumented immigration, with the aim of exploring both immediate and long-term solutions.
The meeting signals a growing alignment between the two movements on one of the country’s most contentious issues, at a time when public frustration over immigration, employment and service delivery continues to fuel demonstrations.
March and March further indicated that anti-immigration protests organised under its banner will continue until at least 4 November 2026 and potentially beyond. The organisation emphasised that all demonstrations will be conducted peacefully.
The talks between Shivambu and MaNgobese Zuma are likely to add further momentum to the national conversation around immigration policy, border management and the broader challenges facing South Africa as communities grapple with economic pressures and concerns over public resources.
With immigration remaining a deeply divisive issue, the outcome of the partnership between the two movements will be closely watched in the months ahead.
