Penuel Mlotshwa Explains Why March and March Should Not Work With AfriForum
- Penuel Mlotshwa shared a lengthy public statement on social media outlining his concerns about March and March's collaboration with AfriForum
- The activist revealed he was once a paying AfriForum member but left after the organisation made claims against Julius Malema
- He weighed the pros and cons of Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma's movement working with AfriForum, but said March and March was better off without it
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Source: Twitter
On 19 August 2026, Penuel "The Black Pen" Mlotshwa warned March and March that partnering with AfriForum is a major strategic mistake that could severely damage the movement's credibility. Drawing on his past as a former paying AfriForum member, Mlotshwa cautioned that the collaboration risks alienating supporters and inviting backlash.
His review arrives after the Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma-led movement met with AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel on Tuesday, 18 August, to form a joint working group.
Despite understanding why March and March sought the partnership, Mlotshwa outlined key reasons why he believes the association will backfire:
- Brand Perception: AfriForum is widely viewed as an anti-Black organisation, and partnering with them risks fueling accusations that the movement is being funded or controlled by White interests
- Opposing Agendas: Mlotshwa noted that AfriForum actively opposes Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and previously promoted controversial narratives about interracial violence in the United States
- Inconsistent Stances: He highlighted that AfriForum has never condemned undocumented foreigners, many of whom are employed by White Afrikaner individuals and businesses
- Perception Management: Warning of historical parallels like the pre-1994 IFP-NP relationship, Mlotshwa stressed that imagery alone, much like past photos of political leaders with controversial figures, will serve as "discrediting fodder" for critics
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Why Mlotshwa understands the appeal
Mlotshwa acknowledged why March and March leadership, alongside prominent figures like Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, Ngizwe Mchunu, and Phakel'umthakathi, might look to AfriForum as a blueprint. He pointed out the organisation's massive operational success, including:
- A self-sustaining model driven by roughly 350,000 paying monthly members.
- The ability to build private tertiary institutions like Soltech through the Solidarity Trade Union.
- A powerful internal media engine and an established international footprint.
- Proven experience in using legal action to hold government accountable.
Source: Twitter
Penuel Mlotshwa's history with AfriForum
Mlotshwa revealed that his stance comes from firsthand experience. He previously joined AfriForum after admiring their legal backing for Senzo Meyiwa's family, their community-first philosophy, and their educational projects, even visiting their head office and appearing on public platforms with their leaders.
However, he cut ties with the group after they accused EFF leader Julius Malema of inciting hate speech and took claims regarding South African interracial violence to the White House.
"My decision was vindicated when they went on a White House tour to spread false propaganda about interracial violence in South Africa, thereby misleading Donald Trump into lying about what's happening in South Africa."
While Mlotshwa concluded that he hopes any collaboration ultimately benefits South Africa, his position remains clear: March and March should walk away from the partnership.
"I think Jacinta and co could've learnt everything they need to learn from Afriforum through research that doesn't require them to be seen with Afriforum leadership nor to mention that they studied Afriforum at all."
Read Penuel Mlotshwa's statement below.
Ntsiki Mazwai reacts to March and March and AfriForum
In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to Ntsiki Mazwai's remarks about March and March's collaboration with AfriForum.
Her latest comments follow her string of shady remarks about Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, and the activist's supporters fired back.
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Source: Briefly News
