Marching for Tenders:Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma & Husband Linked to Nearly R12 Million in State Contracts

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and her husband, attorney Xolani Zuma, are facing scrutiny after an investigation reportedly linked their business interests to almost R12 million in government contracts, raising questions about the movement’s anti-government rhetoric and its leaders’ dealings with the state.

The allegations, reported by News24, have placed the couple under the spotlight as March and March continues to attract attention through its campaigns against undocumented immigration and demands for tougher government action.

According to the investigation, information from National Treasury procurement data, government tender portals and expenditure reports points to contracts awarded to businesses associated with the couple.

One of the arrangements reportedly involves XJ Family Enterprise, a company whose directors are Ngobese-Zuma and Xolani Zuma. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development allegedly awarded the company a 36-month contract for farmer support and development.

The contract is reportedly valued at R10.5 million over three years, with R3.5 million allocated for the 2026/27 financial year.

The findings have prompted questions about potential conflicts of interest and whether the couple’s business dealings align with the political image presented by their public activism.

However, the reported contracts do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing. Questions surrounding the procurement processes, the companies’ eligibility and the couple’s involvement require careful examination and responses from the relevant parties.

Ngobese-Zuma has reportedly declined to provide detailed answers to the journalist’s questions, instead accusing the publication of attempting to distract the public with falsehoods.

Her husband indicated that he would respond after the investigation was published.

The controversy has also escalated into a dispute over press freedom. The South African National Editors’ Forum condemned Ngobese-Zuma after she shared a screenshot of journalist Khaya Koko’s questions on social media, exposing his telephone number.

The organisation said the publication of the journalist’s contact details risked encouraging intimidation and harassment.

The developments have intensified scrutiny of March and March’s leadership, particularly as the movement positions itself as a voice demanding accountability from government.

The central question now is whether the couple and the businesses involved will provide sufficient information to address concerns about the contracts and the processes through which they were awarded.

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