Ngobese-Zuma has publicly stated that the group was served with the court papers and is urging supporters to attend court to show solidarity. She frames the application as an abuse of state power that would strip citizens of their constitutional right to protest. The movement has been active for roughly 21 months with regular demonstrations (often focused on Home Affairs offices, immigration enforcement, jobs for South Africans, and related issues).
What the application seeks
It is not a nationwide blanket ban on all protest. It targets specific conduct in defined parts of eThekwini (Durban CBD, Berea, and especially the vicinity of the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road / formerly Moore Road). The order sought would prevent March and March, Ngobese-Zuma and the other named respondents from:
- Convening, organising, directing, mobilising for, or proceeding with marches or protest convoys in the affected areas.
- Assaulting, threatening or harassing residents; looting; setting fire to or damaging property; attacking Home Affairs premises; blocking entrances/exits; or using intimidation to deny reasonable access to buildings (including Home Affairs offices).
The applicants are also seeking a rule nisi requiring the respondents to show cause why the restrictions should not be confirmed. The court has not yet granted any interim order.
Context
March and March is a registered civic/advocacy group founded by Ngobese-Zuma (a former Vuma FM radio presenter) that campaigns for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, prioritisation of South African citizens for jobs and services, and related issues. It has organised frequent protests, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, and has drawn both significant public support and criticism. Some of its demonstrations and related copycat actions have involved disruption of Home Affairs facilities, confrontations, and (in various reports) allegations of intimidation, public violence, or property damage; a number of individuals linked to the broader protests have faced criminal charges. The movement rejects the “xenophobic” label and says it targets undocumented status rather than nationality.
Recent protests intensified after a Constitutional Court ruling on asylum processes and a subsequent Home Affairs directive (later withdrawn in part). Ngobese-Zuma has also publicly criticised the ANC government and President Cyril Ramaphosa in the run-up to the 4 November local elections.
The court will hear the urgent application on Friday. Supporters of the movement have been called to attend; authorities frame the interdict as necessary for public safety and order around specific sensitive sites.
