VOP and March and March Movement
Xolani Dlamini|Published
Political parties and civic organisations in eThekwini have taken opposing positions on the partnership between March and March Movement and Voice of Phoenix, with some calling for greater consultation and clarity over VOP’s registration status.
The Minority Front (MF), and uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) backed the new partnership while ActionSA and other civic organisations opposed it.
Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, eThekwini mayoral candidate and leader of MF, said she had no problem with the recent collaboration between VOP and the March and March Movement.
"I do not see anything wrong when organisations form partnerships. The partnership is okay with me, as long as both organisations abide by the laws of the country. We support the partnership because it will tackle the issue of illegal immigration," she said.
Thakur-Rajbansi expressed concern about the funding of these independent organisations.
"The funding for these organisations worries me because they get directives from their funders. The leadership of March and March Movement and Voice of Phoenix needs to know that we do not want our country to have instability, especially as we approach local government elections," she said.
Berlinda Belcher, Ward 48 candidate for ActionSA, said she did not support the partnership.
"I want to make it categorically clear that I do not support this partnership between March and March and Voice of Phoenix. My concerns are based on several factors, including questions surrounding the registration status of VOP, which I understand was previously deregistered.
“I believe this is a matter that requires clarification before any formal partnership can be presented as representing the interests of the broader Phoenix community," she said.
Belcher, who is also a March and March Movement member, revealed the Voice of Phoenix did not enjoy the support of every resident in Phoenix.
"No single organisation can claim to speak on behalf of an entire community, without acknowledging the diversity of opinions and concerns that exist. My involvement in community activism has always been about serving the people of Phoenix, not advancing the interests of any particular organisation or individual," she said.
She believes the decisions of this nature should involve proper consultation, transparency and accountability.
"Partnerships should not simply be announced without considering the views of those who have contributed to building the movement at the grassroots level. I also believe that community movements must remain independent and should never become instruments for advancing political agendas, particularly during an election period," she said.
Belcher clarified she was not opposed to organisations working together for the betterment of Phoenix.
"However, I cannot support a partnership where legitimate concerns remain unanswered. My commitment remains to the residents of Phoenix, the principles upon which March and March Phoenix was established, and the continued fight against crime and the social challenges affecting our communities," she added.
According to Vassi Govender, leader of VOP, the organisation was not deregistered.
The documents were viewed by sundaytribune.co.za.
"We changed the organisation's name from Voice of Phoenix to Voice of the People to accommodate everyone even those from outside of Phoenix. There are people out there trying to create problems for us, and these people are supporters of illegal foreigners," Govender claimed.
Mkhanka Zuma, chairperson of Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in eThekwini region, applauded the new partnership between March and March Movement and Voice of Phoenix.
"We are calling on all civic organisations and progressive political parties to join hands with the March and March Movement in addressing the challenge of undocumented foreign nationals in our country. The stand taken by the Voice of Phoenix reflects the reality that the impact of undocumented immigration is not limited to black South Africans, but affects South Africans across the country and from all walks of life," he said.
Zuma believes that more progressive organisations will join this struggle to tackle the issue of illegal immigration.
"We need to work together to ensure that the voices and cries of the people of South Africa are heard globally by the end of this year."
Mervin Reddy, of Phoenix-based organisation Night of Hope for South Africa, said they were against VOP joining the March and March Movement.
"We do not support this partnership because residents should have been consulted first before the collaboration. The leaders of VOP should have consulted with residents and other local organisations first before joining hands with the March and March Movement," said Reddy.
Reddy revealed he had no problem with foreigners running their businesses in the area because they were helping the community.
"Phoenix is a diverse community. We do not have a problem with foreign-owned businesses in the area because we support them. If there is anything wrong with a foreign-owned business, we meet and rectify it," he said.
Logan Reddy, a member of Phoenix Leaders Forum, said they were also against the new partnership, and claimed that VOP had been deregistered as a community organisation.
"There is no point supporting this new partnership because VOP is no longer a bona-fide organisation. Voice of Phoenix has not been given a mandate by the people of Phoenix to make decisions on their behalf without proper community consultation or participation as enshrined in the constitution of South Africa," he said.
Dr Ria Chetty, former Phoenix resident, policing scholar, and former senior law enforcement officer, and civic activist, said she was behind the newly formed partnership.
"I strongly believe that community-led public forums organised by civic bodies like the Voice of Phoenix (VOP) serve as vital platforms for public participation, municipal accountability, and grassroots security awareness. I strongly applaud the Voice of Phoenix for joining the party against illegal immigration,” said Chetty.
She explained that the unvetted integration of undocumented individuals and asylum seekers poses a severe threat to the national security, sovereignty, and the rule of law.
"Bypassing strict border controls and failing to enforce proper screening procedures creates systemic vulnerabilities with devastating consequences for South Africa. Allowing millions of individuals to integrate into communities without prior background checks or biometric vetting compromises public safety. Fugitives, dangerous criminals, and wanted individuals from foreign jurisdictions can easily conceal their identities within local neighborhoods," said Chetty, who is also a founder 3RD Eye Civic Defence Institute.
She believes that collaboration between local community bodies like the VOP and national activist groups such as the March and March Movement creates a united front to address critical gaps in border enforcement, public resource distribution, and community safety.
"Active civic partnerships are essential to highlight the systemic pressures faced by local residents, particularly when national policies fail to prioritise the needs of tax-paying South African citizens," she said.
Chetty disclosed that she has an unwavering support for the March and March Movement.
"I support the March and March Movement with my entire being. Our culture, heritage, economic stability, and the very livelihoods of our people are at stake."