Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma accuses government of silencing anti-illegal immigration protesters
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has compared South Africa’s post-apartheid government to the former regime, accusing it of silencing citizens who raise concerns about illegal immigration.
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March and March, has accused the South African government of utilizing legislation to silence citizens protesting illegal immigration. She compared the current administration to the apartheid regime, stating she comprehended why apartheid-era authorities employed legislation to suppress opposition. Ngobese-Zuma argued that the law could target individuals perceived as threats to those in power.
She emphasized that she, born during apartheid, now understands its cruelty despite not experiencing it fully. Ngobese-Zuma's remarks emerged as the Department of Home Affairs defended South Africa's asylum and refugee system, refuting claims that asylum seekers and refugees are exempt from the country's laws. The department stressed that asylum seekers and refugees are accountable under South African law, including for criminal conduct.
They reiterated that applicants must comply with South African laws, maintain valid documentation, and cooperate with lawful administrative processes. Home Affairs clarified that asylum applications do not automatically grant indefinite residency. Rejected claims are assessed by Home Affairs following South African law and international refugee protection standards.
Non-compliance after a final rejection means individuals would no longer be considered protected under the refugee system and must adhere to immigration laws.
Ngobese-Zuma criticized the post-apartheid government for not fulfilling promises to South Africans, saying citizens' concerns about immigration, crime, and socio-economic conditions were disregarded. She accused sections of the media and individuals not sharing the movement's stance of downplaying protesters' issues. Ngobese-Zuma alleged that authorities claimed a lack of resources to address illegal immigration and crimes by foreign nationals, yet could allocate resources to restrict demonstrations and enforce laws against protesters.
The leader appealed directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to engage with citizens instead of prioritizing South Africa's international image. She pleaded, "Dear Ramaphosa, can you for once listen to your citizens' cries? Can you hear what their concerns are?" The department's claims about government priorities and the treatment of foreign nationals were not independently verified.
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