Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma
Radio personality and civic activist
By South African Index Editorial Desk · Published · Last reviewed
Ngobese-Zuma moved from broadcasting into public activism. EWN identifies her as the founder of March & March. [1]
Background and broadcasting
In an interview with Zohra Teke, Ngobese-Zuma said she came from Eshowe, grew up in KwaMashu and later attended school and university in Johannesburg. She described herself as a wife, mother, law student, activist and farmer. These personal details are attributed to her account. [2]
March & March identifies her as a former Vuma FM presenter. The sources do not establish a completed law qualification. [3][2]
Founding and leading March & March
Ngobese-Zuma told Daily News that she publicised a proposed protest on social media and was surprised by the response. She said concerns about public services and undocumented immigration prompted her to act. Those explanations describe her motivation. They do not independently prove the wider claims she makes about migration. [2]
Berea Mail reported a first anniversary on 25 March 2026. The website footer gives March 2024. The founding date remains unresolved. [4][3]
Stated positions and public response
The movement’s website lists immigration-law enforcement, border control, citizen access to employment and services, and government accountability among its objectives. These are the organisation’s stated positions. [3]
In her Daily News interview, Ngobese-Zuma rejected descriptions of the movement as xenophobic. She also condemned attacks and looting, saying criminals were using the movement’s name. Her response belongs alongside scrutiny of the campaigns and their effects on foreign nationals. [2]
Organisation, allies and changing relationships
amaBhungane examined the company behind March & March and reported additional directors beyond its best-known public figure. Its investigation distinguished the movement’s public leadership, corporate structure and surrounding supporters. Those categories should not be collapsed into a single list of founders. [5]
Public alliances can also change. March & March announced in July 2026 that it suspended its working relationship with Ngizwe Mchunu. That development makes earlier photographs or joint appearances insufficient evidence of a continuing leadership relationship. [6]
The wider protest debate
Before the 30 June 2026 demonstrations, the South African Human Rights Commission affirmed the right to peaceful protest. It also called for lawful conduct and respect for the rights of other people. The statement addressed unemployment, crime, borders and social rights alongside its appeal against intimidation and violence. [7]
Key contributions
Ngobese-Zuma founded and publicly led a movement that organised demonstrations and made immigration enforcement a prominent campaign issue. This is a description of her public activity, rather than an endorsement of the movement’s policy claims. [4]
Life and career timeline
Worked as a Vuma FM radio presenter before becoming widely known for civic activism. [3]
Led the Durban demonstration reported as March & March’s first anniversary. [4]
Explained her background, motivations and rejection of violence in a Daily News interview. [2]
Helped lead the Durban march with Nkosikhona Ndabandaba. [8]
Her movement suspended its working relationship with Ngizwe Mchunu. [6]
Frequently asked questions
Did Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma work in radio?
Yes. March & March’s leadership page identifies her previous work as a Vuma FM presenter. [3]
What does she say March & March campaigns for?
The movement states that it campaigns for immigration-law enforcement, border control and the prioritisation of citizens in employment and services. [3]
Related people
Associated organisations
Related research
Sources
- Eyewitness News, March and March will protest every Thursday, says Ngobese-Zuma, 2026-07-01. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
- Daily News, Who is Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma? Interview by Zohra Teke, 2026-06-03. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
- March & March, About our movement: story and leadership. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
- Berea Mail, March and March marks one year with Durban protest, 2026-03-25. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
- amaBhungane, Analysis: March and March and the shadow of 2021, 2026-06-28. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
- Cape Times / IOL, Ngizwe Mchunu responds after March and March suspends its working relationship, 2026-07-28. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
- South African Human Rights Commission, Call for peace and adherence to the rule of law during the 30 June marches, 2026-06-29. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
- Eyewitness News, Phakelumthakathi distances himself from violence during anti-illegal immigration protests, 2026-07-01. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩