March And March Leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma Slams Zimbabweans After July 31 Protests Fail To Gain Momentum
March and March movement leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has criticised Zimbabweans after the planned July 31 protests failed to attract widespread participation. Her remarks came after a small solidarity demonstration outside the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, where members of her organisation gathered in support of activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi and calls for mass action in Zimbabwe.
Ngobese-Zuma later took to social media, where she expressed disappointment over the low turnout and argued that the absence of large-scale protests reflected Zimbabweans’ satisfaction with their government.
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma Reacts To Low Turnout At Zimbabwe Embassy Protest
In a social media post, Ngobese-Zuma thanked those who attended the solidarity demonstration before directing criticism at Zimbabweans.
She wrote:
“Thank you to those of our members who showed up at the Zimbabwean Embassy… I’m so sorry Bhekimpilo Mbedzi we showed up for you and the people of Zimbabwe but your people didn’t … If Zimbabweans as a collective didn’t protest it means they are happy with their government, therefore they must go back and enjoy their government.”
She continued by calling for undocumented Zimbabweans to leave South Africa and also said holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) should return to Zimbabwe.
“Illegal Zimbabweans must GO. No documents must be given to Zimbabweans. They love Zimbabwe as it is and they must go there. ZEPs must GO. South Africa is for South Africans.”
July 31 Zimbabwe Protest Draws Mixed Reactions
The planned demonstrations on July 31 had generated significant public attention ahead of the day, with some activists encouraging Zimbabweans to participate in peaceful protests and stayaways.
However, events unfolded differently, with many parts of the country remaining largely calm.
According to the social media post shared by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, members of her organisation gathered outside the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria to show solidarity with Zimbabwean activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi.
What Happens Next?
Ngobese-Zuma’s comments have since sparked discussion on social media, with users expressing differing views over both the turnout of the July 31 protests and her remarks about Zimbabweans living in South Africa.
The developments come as conversations continue around immigration, regional politics and the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) in South Africa.
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