March and March and the allure of ethnic politics
Political alliances across ideological lines may be politically expedient, but South Africa must guard against a return to ethnic politics. March and March’s engagement with Afriforum and calls for ethnically exclusive universities raise questions about the movement’s direction and whether it risks dividing the very constituency it claims to represent.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) was initially seen as a pragmatic solution to maintain political stability in South Africa post-2024 elections. However, critics perceive it as a strategic move to prevent left-leaning parties from amassing more influence and safeguarding existing economic powers. This arrangement has extended to provincial levels, leading to unusual alliances.
The underlying issue is that parties with divergent ideological stances may set aside these differences when political power and government access are vital. This dilemma was evident recently when the anti-illegal migration group March and March met with Afriforum, an organization closely tied to Afrikaner interests. This union has drawn criticism, particularly since March and March's founder, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has suggested the possibility of incorporating Afriforum's ideas.
This alliance, though seemingly improbable, is not entirely new; earlier this year, Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party also held discussions with Afriforum's CEO, Kallie Kriel. Zuma's party is ideologically left-leaning, making this interaction yet another demonstration of how pragmatism can override ideological divides. The March and March-AfriForum collaboration may not signify a broader shift toward right-wing politics, but Ngobese-Zuma's recent remarks regarding universities exclusively catering to specific ethnic groups warrant concern among those advocating for a unified, democratic South Africa.
The notion of universities for Zulus, Pedi, Tswana, or other ethnic groups is not empowerment; it is segregation masquerading as self-determination. South Africa's history should have taught us that institutions built on ethnic lines create barriers rather than opportunities. While March and March has every right to scrutinize government shortcomings and advocate for action on illegal migration and crime, embracing ethnic politics as a response to state failures could tarnish its reputation among its constituency.
A movement that purports to represent ordinary South Africans should strive to unite them, not push them toward separate ethnic factions. South Africa has endured enough politics that pits neighbors against one another.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
