Xolani Zuma Announces Sudden Shutdown Of March And March Protests Before Elections

The latest ruling by the Durban High Court has been explained by March and March movement representative Xolani Zuma, who has also confirmed that the court has temporarily halted all planned street marches in KwaZulu-Natal until after the local government elections.

Speaking to the hundreds of protesters who had gathered outside the courthouse after the verdict was announced on Friday, 30 October 2026, Zuma explained that, starting tomorrow, mass street processions will be immediately prohibited due to a legal injunction. Per the High Court’s order, authorised protest activities can only resume under tightly controlled parameters beginning on November 7, 2026, and the temporary suspension extends to the critical voting window and the immediate post-election counting phase.

Zuma emphasised that the court’s decision did not constitute a permanent ban on the organization, but rather provided state authorities with interim relief to preserve police manpower and maintain public order during the election cycle. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has threatened leaders and marchers with immediate arrest, contempt of court charges, and additional legal action if they disobey the court-ordered stand-down, he warned.

Not only did Zuma provide an explanation for the march’s suspension, but he also put an end to the rumours that the March and March movement and its affiliated organization SA First would boycott the forthcoming elections. Zuma reiterated the party’s dedication to democratic processes, stressing that the 4 November vote is still an important part of their larger effort to reform municipalities, secure borders, and hold citizens accountable.

Despite the court’s decision to temporarily halt all marches until after the elections (which takes place tomorrow), Zuma assured the crowd that their voices would not be muzzled. Assuring protesters that lawful mobilisation will resume once the election process officially ends, he urged all members and civil society supporters to immediately focus on high voter turnout.

The assembled protesters had mixed feelings about the news, especially about the stringent judicial bans against future marches bringing traditional sticks, knobkieries, and face coverings. But movement leaders like Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma chimed in to bolster Zuma’s speech, saying that the movement can stay legally recognised with temporary compliance so that members can vote on election day according to their constitution.

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