Xolile Mtembu|Published
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has accused the South African government of using the law to silence citizens protesting against illegal immigration, comparing the current administration to the apartheid regime.
She said she had come to understand why apartheid-era authorities used legislation to suppress opposition, arguing that the law could be used against people considered a threat to those in power.
“I was born during apartheid, but I did not experience it long enough to fully grasp its cruelty. Today, I understand why apartheid had to be legislated, so that anyone who dared to fight the state or the system could be seen as breaking the law,” Ngobese-Zuma said.
Home Affairs rejects claims that refugees are above the law
Her comments came as the Department of Home Affairs defended South Africa's asylum and refugee system, rejecting claims that people seeking protection were exempt from the country's laws.
The department said asylum seekers and refugees remained accountable under South African law, including when they were accused of criminal conduct.
“All asylum seekers and refugees are required to comply with South African laws, maintain valid documentation and cooperate with lawful administrative processes,” the department said.
It also clarified that applying for asylum did not automatically give someone the right to remain in the country indefinitely.
“Applications for asylum are assessed by Home Affairs in accordance with South African law and applicable international refugee protection standards.”
The department added that applicants whose claims were rejected could use the review and appeal mechanisms available under the law. Once a rejection became final, they would no longer qualify for protection under the refugee system and would have to comply with immigration laws.
“A final rejection means that the individual no longer qualifies for protection under the refugee system and must comply with immigration laws.”
Ngobese-Zuma appeals directly to Ramaphosa
Ngobese-Zuma accused the post-apartheid government of failing to fulfil promises made to South Africans, claiming that citizens' concerns about immigration, crime and socio-economic conditions were being dismissed.
“The same people who fought a government under the disguise of freeing them are now a replica of the former system,” she said.
She also accused sections of the media and people who did not share the movement's concerns of downplaying the issues raised by protesters.
Ngobese-Zuma alleged that authorities claimed to lack the resources to address illegal immigration and crimes allegedly committed by foreign nationals, yet could mobilise resources to restrict demonstrations and enforce the law against protesters.
Her claims about government priorities and the treatment of foreign nationals were not independently verified.
The March and March leader appealed directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling on him to engage with citizens rather than prioritise South Africa's international image.
“I have never pleaded with the President of the country, but right now I will. Dear Ramaphosa, can you for once listen to your citizens' cries? Can you hear what their concerns are?” she asked.
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