WATCH: Zuma meets March and March leaders, says there is no excuse for xenophobia

Former president Jacob Zuma has met the leadership of the March and March movement, with his uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) Party endorsing calls for stronger enforcement of immigration laws while warning against xenophobia and violence.

The meeting took place on Tuesday, one day before the local government elections, and followed growing tensions over immigration and the activities of groups campaigning against undocumented foreign nationals.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the MK Party said Zuma had acknowledged the movement’s campaign against illegal immigration, while March and March had recognised the party’s contribution to addressing issues affecting South Africans.

“This mutual recognition reflects the importance of dialogue, cooperation and engagement between political organisations and community movements on matters of national interest,” the party said.

“The MK Party reiterates its position that illegal and undocumented foreign nationals who do not have lawful immigration status in South Africa must regularise their stay or return to their countries of origin through lawful processes,” the party said.

UMkhonto weSizwe Party President, uNxamalala, met with leaders of the March and March movement to clarify statements allegedly distorted by other political parties and address attempts to mislead the public and create confusion among voters ahead of Election Day. pic.twitter.com/FHWAVk01Pq

It also identified several issues as matters requiring government intervention.

“[U]nemployment, border security, pressure on public services and the protection of local economic opportunities require decisive and responsible intervention from government,” it said.

Also on Tuesday, MKP KZN Chairperson Willies Mchunu — a former ANC premier of the province — visited March and March at Moore Road, where a group has been camped out for weeks opposite the Home Affairs office, and has been seen intimidating foreigners trying to use the office. There is a heavy police presence in the area.

Speaking to the March and March supporters in isiZulu, Mchunu said every individual had the right to choose who they vote for.

“Let me start with these words, as uMkhonto WeSizwe, we respect every person’s right to decide who they will vote for. We respect March and March’s struggle, which encompasses everybody, some of whom are uMkhonto WeSizwe [Party] and some who are not,” Mchunu said.

The MKP was about “unifying poor black people who do not have their freedom yet,” as espoused by Zuma when he founded the party, said Mchunu.

uMK Party KZN Chairperson Willies Mchunu visited March and March at Moore Road, reaffirming the Party’s respect for every individual’s right to choose who they vote for and its recognition of the movement’s struggle. He also emphasised unity and working together.#VoteMKParty pic.twitter.com/uvfjuY4RXe

“Let us pool our votes as various organisations under uMkhonto WeSizwe then when we take over that government, we address our various concerns and co operate as black people. No other organisations is preaching the unity of black people, irrespective of their political party (affiliation).

“So go out on Wednesday and vote…if it were up to me…if you feel we will represent your interests, come… vote with us. I am not here to compel you, but neither will I be opportunistic. I want to be clear I am not here to campaign, but since you want me to comment, all I am saying is what we stand for, we will stand for it even in municipalities.”

In its statement after meeting party leaders, the MKP sought to distance its position on immigration enforcement from attacks on foreign nationals.

“The MK Party emphasises that enforcing immigration laws must never become an excuse for xenophobia, discrimination or violence. The dignity and human rights of every individual must be respected.”

Anti-illegal immigration protests have flared in KwaZulu-Natal, where March and March, led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, has organised demonstrations demanding stricter border controls and the deportation of undocumented migrants.

Several protests have been accompanied by violence, including attacks on foreign nationals, looting and the destruction of property. Police recently sought a court order restricting demonstrations in Durban over concerns about further violence.

The KZN High Court subsequently allowed demonstrations to proceed under strict conditions, including restrictions on protest routes and the carrying of weapons.

March and March has repeatedly rejected accusations of xenophobia, saying that its campaign targets illegal immigration rather than foreign nationals legally residing in South Africa.

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