AfriForum’s Kallie Kriel Eager to engage with March and March's Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, SA divided

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel has signaled his readiness to sit down with Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and the leadership of the March and March organization. The CEO described the upcoming engagement as a continuation of his group's efforts to foster relationships with diverse South African stakeholders.

Kriel turned to social media to confirm that logistics for the meeting are already being finalized. The announcement follows a public request from Ngobese-Zuma, who recently voiced a desire to learn from AfriForum's operational model.

Seeking Lessons in Civil Rights

The request for a meeting was initially made during a March and March protest in Durban, held outside the SADC Summit. Ngobese-Zuma explained to supporters that while the two groups do not align on every issue, there is value in studying a group that serves its members effectively.

She noted that it was important to take lessons from those who are "doing something right," even if there are fundamental disagreements on certain points. This pragmatic approach seeks to adapt successful strategies for her own movement.

The Rise of SA First Forum

Ngobese-Zuma has previously been vocal about her goal to create a non-profit entity that mirrors the legal and advocacy strengths of AfriForum. She recently launched the SA First Forum, which she described as an equivalent body tailored for black South Africans.

The new forum is intended to provide legal aid to those who cannot afford it. Their primary objective involves challenging government policies, starting with a police circular they believe violates the constitution.

Public Reaction and Debate

The news of the collaboration has triggered a divide among South African social media users. While some see the dialogue as a positive step toward cross-cultural learning, others have criticized the association between the two organizations.

Despite the mixed reception, both parties seem committed to the sit-down. Kriel maintains that these types of engagements are part of a broader history of dialogue that AfriForum encourages across the country.