Why Xhosa, Sotho and Other Tribes Are Staying Away From the March

Some leaders of the March and March movement are worried that the campaign is losing touch with South Africans who are not Zulu. They say the movement needs to reach more people across the country, and they have called on organizers to bring in Xhosa, Sotho, Pedi and other communities so that it can truly speak for a wide group of citizens.

People inside the movement admit that it has come to be seen almost entirely as a Zulu campaign. Traditional Zulu chants, war songs and cultural symbols are common at its marches and public gatherings. Some observers and possible supporters from other ethnic and racial groups have said this makes them uncomfortable. Without meaning to, the movement may have given the impression that people outside Zulu culture are not fully welcome to take part, and that has made it harder to build a national following.

The movement is led by civic activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma. It has gained strong support in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, and it calls for strict enforcement of immigration laws and for policies that put citizens first. Its leaders say they have backing from ordinary people in several provinces. Yet its heavy use of regional imagery has made it difficult to grow beyond its base.

Commentators say that any civic campaign that wants to last must reach across regional and ethnic lines. Traditional music and cultural expression can stir strong feelings at a rally, but relying on the symbols of one culture can push away possible allies in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

In response, campaign strategists are asking local organizers to change how the movement presents itself. They want slogans in several languages and songs from Xhosa, Sotho and Pedi traditions at upcoming rallies. Movement leaders also argue that illegal immigration and access to public services affect communities across the country, whatever language they speak or heritage they hold.

The movement now faces more court action and more public demonstrations. Its leaders will have to balance their regional roots with the need to include others, and whether they succeed in widening its appeal will decide if it can grow into a movement that represents all South Africans.

https://x.com/Durbannetwork/status/2115868469082153271

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