“President Ramaphosa And Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa Are The same” Jacinta Zuma Hit Out

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has drawn comparisons between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa following the deployment of soldiers to Durban amid protests against illegal immigration.

The deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has sparked criticism from Ngobese-Zuma, who has repeatedly accused the government of failing to address concerns raised by South Africans about undocumented immigration, employment opportunities and law enforcement.

On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the government announced the deployment of 510 SANDF members to KwaZulu-Natal to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in maintaining law and order amid tensions linked to anti-immigration protests.

The protests have centred on demands for stricter immigration enforcement and concerns about foreign nationals working in delivery and other sectors.

Ngobese-Zuma has criticised the government’s response, arguing that deploying soldiers to manage the demonstrations sends the wrong message to citizens who believe their grievances have not been adequately addressed.

Her comparison of Ramaphosa to Mnangagwa comes against the backdrop of the movement’s previous criticism of both governments over their handling of immigration-related concerns.

In August, Ngobese-Zuma criticised regional leaders during protests held alongside the Southern African Development Community summit in Durban. She specifically challenged Mnangagwa over undocumented Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa, calling on him to address the issue.

The latest controversy comes as tensions have continued in Durban following demonstrations that have, on some occasions, been accompanied by violence, looting and damage to property.

Authorities have defended the deployment as a measure intended to support police operations and prevent further unrest. The government has linked the recent violence to misinformation surrounding a Constitutional Court judgment relating to the Refugees Act.

However, Ngobese-Zuma has maintained that the government should focus on the concerns driving the demonstrations rather than respond primarily through security deployments.

Her remarks have also placed the issue in the context of South Africa’s approaching local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. During Tuesday’s protest, she urged supporters not to vote for the African National Congress, accusing the government of failing to listen to their concerns.

The dispute highlights the growing political tension surrounding immigration enforcement, citizens’ employment concerns and the government’s responsibility to maintain public order.

While March and March has called for tougher action against undocumented immigration, the authorities face the challenge of enforcing immigration laws while protecting constitutional rights, preventing violence and ensuring that foreign nationals are not subjected to intimidation or unlawful attacks.

Ngobese-Zuma’s comparison between Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa reflects her criticism of the government’s response to the protests. However, the comparison remains her political assessment and does not, by itself, establish that the two leaders have adopted identical policies or approaches to public demonstrations.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2115152288796864557