By 
In a notable realignment within South Africa’s civil society landscape, civil rights organisation AfriForum and grassroots movement March and March have established a collaborative working group aimed at empowering local communities, combating rampant crime, and addressing systematic state collapse.
The agreement follows a high-level meeting between a March and March delegation—led by founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma—and AfriForum’s leadership team, headed by CEO Kallie Kriel. The two organisations, despite distinct ideological backgrounds, identified key shared priorities to address socio-economic challenges, public education deficiencies, and security risks facing South African citizens at the local level.
Common Ground on Border Security, Law, and Education
Central to the discussions were shared concerns over unsecured borders, the proliferation of illicit trade, and the breakdown of basic government functions. According to reporting by Politicsweb, both delegations highlighted the severe economic and safety ramifications of porous border control and rising crime rates across township and rural communities.
The newly formed alliance intends to pursue joint legal action on matters of mutual interest, support community-led anti-crime initiatives, and press for strict adherence to the rule of law. Potential avenues of collaboration include:
- Capacity Building & Safety: Implementing lawful, community-driven safety measures and local crime prevention frameworks.
- Educational Reform: Promoting mother-tongue instruction, expanding access to quality education, and supporting skills development.
- Economic & Agricultural Development: Enhancing local food security, preserving heritage, and reviving local economies impacted by illicit trade.
- Rule of Law & Migration: Addressing border vulnerabilities and tackling corruption through non-partisan civic cooperation.
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma emphasized that the initiative is grounded in human rights, ubuntu, and political accountability, as reported by Briefly News. “The Movement believes that unsecured borders have serious consequences for the ailing economy,” Ngobese-Zuma noted, adding that corruption and government aptitude require urgent, non-partisan civil intervention.
Bypassing Ideological Divide to Address Failure
While acknowledging that both entities hold differing views on various national matters, leadership from both sides emphasized that principled compromise is necessary to build functional communities.
Kallie Kriel outlined AfriForum’s willingness to share operational insights gained from growing its membership base to over 300,000 citizens. Kriel criticized the governing African National Congress (ANC) for pursuing destructive ideological policies that exacerbate local socio-economic strain and border crises.
“There are times when it is necessary to protest against the government’s failures, but it is even more important to use the hands at the end of our arms to build the future we want,” Kriel stated, underscoring that civic movements must take direct responsibility where state institutions fall short.
AfriForum Head of Intercultural Relations and Cooperation, Barend Uys, pointed out that this initiative builds on existing partnerships with traditional authorities and regional organizations, including the AmaBhele KaJamangile and the Royal Leaders of South Africa (ROLESA).
Both AfriForum and March and March reaffirmed that all joint initiatives will strictly operate within legal bounds, explicitly rejecting violence and intimidation as tools for civic action. Additional reporting on the movement’s civic initiatives can be followed via The Witness.
