“Ngizwe Mchunu Was Right” March And March Leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma Receives Backlash, Called Obs

A fresh storm has erupted on South African social media after a woman came under heavy criticism from people who accuse her of putting personal fame and financial interests ahead of the communities she claims to represent.

The allegations have sparked heated reactions, with some commentators questioning whether her activism is genuinely about helping people or whether staying in the spotlight has become part of the motivation.

However, the most serious claims being circulated online have not been verified. They should therefore not be treated as proven facts without credible evidence.

The controversy has also brought renewed attention to comments previously made by controversial KwaZulu-Natal figure Ngizwe Mchunu during his fallout with the March and March movement.

In July, Mchunu spoke out after the movement announced that it had ended its relationship with him following disagreements over its direction and leadership. He criticised some of its leaders as inexperienced and accused them of being too focused on “limelight and relevance.”

Those comments have now gained fresh momentum online, with some social media users arguing that they expose a wider problem within activism in South Africa—the difficult line between genuine community mobilisation and individuals building personal influence.

Mchunu has remained a highly visible and controversial voice in political and social discussions, particularly on immigration and community activism. His own public conduct has also faced serious criticism.

In June 2026, the Equality Court found Mchunu guilty of hate speech over remarks targeting LGBTQIA+ people. He was ordered to pay R250,000, along with legal costs.

That history has made his political statements even more controversial, attracting both strong support and fierce opposition. But beyond Mchunu, the latest debate raises a much bigger question: who is genuinely fighting for ordinary South Africans, and who is simply turning public frustration into a vehicle for personal influence?

South Africa has a powerful history of grassroots activism, with communities taking to the streets to demand accountability, dignity and better economic opportunities. Yet that trust can quickly collapse when activists are perceived as putting personal ambition ahead of the people they claim to represent.

The allegations currently circulating should therefore be handled with caution. Describing someone as a “terrorist” or accusing them of betraying their own people are extremely serious claims that require solid evidence, not just social-media outrage. What cannot be ignored, however, is the conversation Mchunu’s criticism has reignited about activism, leadership, fame and accountability.

As political movements and grassroots organisations fight for public attention, South Africans are increasingly asking for more than loud speeches and viral posts. They want leaders whose actions can prove that their commitment to communities goes beyond social-media visibility and political rhetoric.

The battle for influence is clearly not slowing down. But with that influence comes scrutiny, and the public is watching closely. Do you think some activists are genuinely fighting for their communities, or has fame and personal ambition become too important in South African activism?

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