By Charmaine Ndlela
March and March founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has distanced herself from a high-level meeting between Cyril Ramaphosa and activists Ngizwe Mchunu and Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, also known as Phakel’umthakathi, saying she only learnt about the engagement through social media.
The meeting took place on Monday evening, ahead of the planned nationwide demonstrations on 30 June over illegal immigration and related issues.
In a social media post, Ngobese-Zuma said she was not informed about the meeting and only became aware of it after posts about the engagement began circulating online.
The Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa met with Mchunu and Ndabandaba, leaders of Insizwa Nobunsizwa, to discuss the planned protests.
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During the meeting, the President emphasised to both of them that the right to protest is coupled with the responsibility to observe the law and to protest peacefully.
Having listened to their concerns, Ramaphosa further stressed that the government is addressing the issue of migration and remains the sole authority responsible for the enforcement of migration laws.
He urged for a peaceful march, and said government alone is responsible for enforcing migration laws as it works to address the issue
With several protests expected to take place across the country, Mangobese-Zuma also urged supporters to refrain from violence and criminality.
“Anyone who loots or causes violence today or tomorrow, please can the police arrest them and lock them up. Don’t embarrass us. We are fighting a serious fight. We are not playing here; this is the entire country’s future,” she said.
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Today marks the much-publicised 30 June mobilisation against illegal immigration that has sparked weeks of debate and demonstrations in parts of South Africa. March and March protests is expected to lead demonstrations in several parts of the country and hand over memorandums to government outlining its demands
The government has reiterated that 30 June remains a normal working day and said law enforcement agencies have been deployed nationwide to ensure public safety, protect critical infrastructure and facilitate peaceful protest.
