“Mutual respect”: AfriForum and March and March agree to work together after meeting

In a significant move for South African civil society, AfriForum and the March and March movement have held a high-level meeting to discuss shared goals. The talks, hosted at AfriForum’s offices, saw founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma meet with AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel to explore how the two groups can assist one another.

The meeting follows the recent launch of the SA First Forum by March and March. Ngobese-Zuma indicated a desire to learn from AfriForum's long-standing experience in community advocacy rather than pursuing traditional party politics.

Shared Priorities and Safety

Both organizations identified several critical areas for intervention, specifically focusing on the collapse of border security and the rise of illicit trade. They have pledged to work together on legal matters and push for stronger crime prevention measures across the country.

Education is also high on the agenda. The partners plan to collaborate on mother-language schooling, skills training, and agricultural development to empower local communities where government service delivery has faltered.

A Vision for Ubuntu

Ngobese-Zuma emphasized that the core of their mission is a united South Africa built on "ubuntu" and a deep respect for cultural identity. She argued that community-based organizations must step up to fight corruption and crime without being distracted by narrow political agendas.

Kallie Kriel expressed his support for the new movement, stating that AfriForum is ready to share the lessons it has learned over the last two decades. With 300,000 members, the organization aims to help newer bodies build their own capacity for civic action.

Expanding Intercultural Ties

This partnership adds to AfriForum’s existing network of cooperation. Barend Uys, the head of Intercultural Relations, noted that the group already maintains formal ties with various traditional leadership structures and organizations like ROLESA and the Barolong Boo Seleka.

Both AfriForum and March and March have made it clear that their joint efforts will remain strictly peaceful. All activities will be conducted within the legal framework to ensure the preservation of the rule of law while advocating for community interests.