March and March Leader Hits Out After Official Report Confirms Foreign Job Takeover

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese has reacted strongly to a new Department of Employment and Labour report confirming that foreign nationals dominate entry-level jobs in South Africa, saying she was previously ridiculed for raising the same issue.

The department’s Inspection and Enforcement Services found that out of 168,766 workplaces inspected, 231,850 foreign nationals were employed by the end of the second quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. Inspector General Aggy Moiloa described the situation as unfortunate, noting that most of these were entry-level positions that could easily have been filled by South Africans.

Gauteng recorded the highest number of foreign workers at 59,624, followed by North West, Western Cape, Limpopo and other provinces. Agriculture employed the largest number of foreign nationals at 46,533, with wholesale and retail close behind.

Responding to the findings, Ngobese wrote: “And when I said this I was ridiculed and even veterans came out of their shells to tell us that we are talking about imaginary jobs just because their children are sorted!! Some Politicians are cruel and heartless people.”

Her comments reflect long-standing frustration within her movement over what it views as the displacement of South African workers, particularly in low-skilled and entry-level positions. Ngobese has repeatedly argued that uncontrolled immigration is denying local people access to jobs, and the latest official statistics appear to support that claim.

The report has intensified debate about the enforcement of labour and immigration laws. While the department acknowledged the problem and spoke of the need for stronger collaboration and more inspectors, Ngobese’s response focuses on the political denial that preceded the data. She accused those who dismissed earlier warnings of being detached from the struggles of ordinary South Africans whose children remain unemployed.

The findings are likely to fuel further calls for tighter controls on the employment of foreign nationals in sectors that offer opportunities for local job seekers.

Source: https://x.com/jacintangobese/status/2120928010123767988?s=46

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