Overview of MK Party’s Stance on the March and March Movement
The MK Party has acknowledged the “March and March” movement, praising its focus on community safety while making clear it has not formally joined or endorsed the group.
Recognising the Movement’s Concerns
MK Party secretary‑general Sibonelo Nomvalo said the party notices the issues the movement raises, especially around crime and policing. He stressed that hearing ordinary people’s voices is important and that such protests help bring those topics into national conversation.
No Formal Alignment or Endorsement
Despite the sympathy, Nomvalo emphasized that the MK Party has not officially aligned itself with March and March, nor has it given the movement its endorsement. The party’s position remains one of observation rather than partnership.
Support for Peaceful Protest
The MK Party backs the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Nomvalo said the party will not stop its members from joining lawful demonstrations and believes protests should be allowed to proceed without unnecessary restriction.
Crime, Policing, and Protest
Nomvalo argued that the movement is responding to a real problem: rising crime that police have struggled to contain. He claimed that when protests turn chaotic, the fault lies with police shortcomings, not with the organizers.
Immigration Concerns
He linked part of the unrest to illegal immigration, stating that undocumented foreigners have taken over certain neighbourhoods and contributed to criminal activity. Nomvalo urged those without legal status to consider voluntary repatriation and said the MK Party opposes illegal immigration “unapologetically.”
Allegations of Criminal Links
Nomvalo went further, claiming some undocumented migrants are involved in organised crime—stealing vehicles, smuggling them across borders, and establishing drug cartels and syndicates. He questioned why anyone with good intentions would avoid registering with Home Affairs, suggesting hidden motives.
Protest Procedures and Police Responsibility
According to Nomvalo, any lawful march must follow set procedures, including a pre‑march meeting with police (referred to as Section 4) to discuss safety protocols. He argued that if police fail to manage a protest, the weakness is on the law‑enforcement side, not on the protesters.
Why the Movement Stays Within Legal Bounds
Nomvalo insisted that March and March’s actions are constitutional because they follow the required notification process. He said that if the group intended to act illegally, it would not bother with official notices or police engagement.
Conclusion
The MK Party views the March and March movement as a legitimate expression of community concerns, operating within South Africa’s legal framework. While the party shares the movement’s opposition to illegal immigration and its call for better policing, it stops short of a formal alliance, choosing instead to support the right to protest while urging authorities to fulfill their duty to maintain order.
