Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 6, 1986 KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Occupations | Activist, former radio broadcaster |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Known for | Founder and leader of March and March |
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is a South African activist and former radio broadcaster. She is the founder and national leader of the civic movement March and March, which campaigns for stricter enforcement of South Africa's immigration laws. Her activism has attracted significant national attention and has been both supported and criticised, with supporters describing it as advocacy for law enforcement while critics have argued that the movement promotes xenophobia.
Career
Ngobese-Zuma began her career in broadcasting and worked at several radio stations in KwaZulu-Natal - Vibe 94.7 FM, Inanda FM, and Gagasi FM - before becoming a presenter on Vuma FM. She hosted a mid-day show called "Cruise with Jacinta Ngobese" at Vuma FM between 2019 and 2025. During her broadcasting career she received industry recognition, winning several awards including an MTN Radio Award for content production on Gagasi FM.[1][2]
In 2023 she was selected to participate in the United States Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program, representing South African media professionals.[2] Her contract on Vuma FM was terminated without reasons in 2025, during her anti-immigration campaigns.[3] She accused the ANC in KwaZulu Natal as responsible in the non-renewal of her contract.[4] She later launched a new podcast on YouTube, titled 'Zoom in with Jacinta MaNgobese Zuma'.
Activism
Ngobese-Zuma rose to national prominence after founding March and March, a civic movement advocating stricter enforcement of immigration legislation and the removal of undocumented immigrants from South Africa. The organisation has organised demonstrations and public campaigns across several provinces.[5]
Ngobese-Zuma has stated that the movement is directed at undocumented immigration and law enforcement rather than foreign nationals generally. She has rejected accusations that the organisation is xenophobic.[5]
Public reception
The activities and statements of Ngobese-Zuma and March and March have generated widespread public debate. Supporters have argued that the movement raises concerns about illegal immigration, crime and the enforcement of existing immigration laws. Human rights organisations, political parties and civil society groups have criticised the movement, contending that its rhetoric risks encouraging xenophobia and hostility toward migrants.[6]
Media coverage has described Ngobese-Zuma as one of South Africa's most prominent and controversial activists on immigration policy during 2026.[5]
References
- ↑ Jabulani, Langa. "Presenter starts year on a high note!". snl24.com. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- 1 2 "Durban media personality chosen for prestigious programme in the US". Daily News. Independent Media. 1 September 2023.
- ↑ "Presenter takes legal action against Vuma FM over termination of contract". sunday tribune.co.za. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ Ntanzi, Hope. "Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma fights back: Legal action against ANC KZN's 'misleading claims'". iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Who is Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma? The woman behind March and March". The Post. Independent Media. 4 June 2026.
- ↑ "Who is Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the woman making waves around the world and branded xenophobic?". IOL. 3 June 2026.