Former MK Party Whip Condemns “March and March” Chant, SA Reacts

• Former MK Party Whip Colleen Makhubela has condemned a chant sang by “March and March” protesters on Monday
• Makhubele said as a Tsonga woman, the chant was deeply offensive to her
• She further warned that the movement is drifting from its original purpose, with incidents of violence and property destruction raising concern

GAUTENG — Former MK Party Chief Whip and current Power FM radio presenter, Colleen Makhubela, has voiced strong condemnation over a controversial chant by members of the “March and March” movement.

The March and March movement organised a protest on Monday in KuGompo City (formerly East London) against the coronation of an Igbo King in the town. The march later turned violent, with reports of looting, vandalism, and cars being set alight. The fallout continues, with several political parties now weighing in.

What offended Colleen Makhubele?

The chant, “Shangane suka endleleni,” which translates to “Shangaan, get out of the way,” has sparked outrage among some South Africans.

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Speaking on her talk show on Power FM, Makhubela revealed that she was deeply offended by the chant and is concerned about the movement’s recent actions. She further alleged that a Shangaan man was physically assaulted for allegedly not speaking isiZulu properly.

Expressing her frustration, Makhubela said,

“I’m Shangaan and I was deeply offended. We are just turning this thing into a tribal thing and a purity test and it makes me so mad actually.”

She added that the movement seems to be straying from its original purpose, noting recent incidents of property destruction.

“Now we see people burning properties and the like, and I’m not sure this March and March is not veering off what it was intended to achieve,” Makhubela said.

Her statements highlight growing concerns that the movement, initially intended to champion specific causes, may be taking on a divisive and violent character that undermines its original goals. Social media users reacted to whether the song was invoking tribalist divisions, and Makhubele was justified in feeling offended. Comments were deeply divided.

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See video here:

South Africans weighed in

@Smanga_Da_Great said:

"The march was against foreigners, whats offending you when you know it's not directing to you, and you know the context of the march?"

@thabanisandile3 said:

"I didn't think they were doing it in a way of undermining the Tsonga people, but in conclusion, it was wrong."

@ThatheF33567 said:

"This thing is not different from the 'Kill the Boer' song. This song originates from the historic war of the Zulu tribes against Soshangana, who was also Zulu. He led the creation of Shangaan people, she must unite and educate, not utter divisive sentiments."

@phillibecks said:

"If it's indeed happened that they sang this song, then it will be the end of my support for them."

@MzgViii said:

"She needs to go back to school and learn to differentiate between Tsonga people and the meaning of Shangan. Her emotions are not that important, but education is."

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Articles on the KuGompo City protest

• Briefly News reported that National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, said the police are tracking down the people responsible for the violence during the KuGompo City protest organised by March to March.
• A butchery was looted as chaos erupted during a march in KuGompo City. Looters targeted a small business in the area during a march opposing the installation of the Nigerian King in KuGompo City earlier in March.
• A man has been left devastated after his car was vandalised during the KuGompo City protest, with no insurance to cover the loss.
• The High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in South Africa released a statement following the uproar over the installation of a Nigerian king in KuGumpo City.
• Nigeria noted developments in the Eastern Cape and tensions across the country, and urged Nigerian nationals to maintain a low profile at all times to ensure their safety.

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Ngizwe Mchunu calls for Zulu-Xhosa unity during East London march after Nigerian king controversy

Previously, Briefly News reported that the Amathole House of Traditional Leaders has called on the government to deport all those involved in the coronation of a Nigerian king in Kugompo City (East London). He expressed frustration that a foreign national could claim to be a king in South Africa.

Source: Briefly News