Zee Sithole

"We Can’t Allow Anarchy": Justice Minister Kubayi Vows Firm Stance Against 'March and March' Movement Post-Elections Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has sparked widespread public debate and confusion following strong remarks aimed at the anti-immigration "March and March" movement. Speaking to members of the press amid ongoing localized tensions, Kubayi was questioned regarding the government's plans to handle the upcoming demonstrations organized by the movement next week. The Minister deferred immediate action but promised a comprehensive response in the near future. "I will attend to them and hold a formal media briefing once the elections have passed," Kubayi stated. When pressed by journalists on how the Ministry intends to curb the momentum of the growing protests, Kubayi took a uncompromising stance, emphasizing the absolute supremacy of the rule of law. "We have to set the record straight; we can't allow anarchy in this country," said Kubayi. "We have seen both the former President and the current President being taken to court. We cannot allow anyone to operate under the assumption that they are above the law." The "March and March" movement has gained traction across several provinces, mobilizing demonstrations fueled by recent misinterpretations of a Constitutional Court judgment regarding asylum applications. While the government has reiterated that the ruling does not grant automatic legal status or open borders, escalating demonstrations in hubs like Durban and Johannesburg have prompted high-level interventions from the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) cluster. Critics and community members have expressed confusion over the timeline of the state's intervention, questioning why decisive executive action is seemingly being paused until after the upcoming election cycle. However, Kubayi’s warning serves as a stern reminder that the state intends to crack down heavily on any protests that cross the line into lawlessness, vandalism, or xenophobic violence.