ANC calls for nationwide support for People’s March against disinformation

Marching for democracy on Sharpeville’s anniversary

As South Africa marks the 66th anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre, the African National Congress (ANC) is calling on citizens to join a “People’s March” on Saturday, March 21. The rallying cry comes from ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, who framed the march as a crucial demonstration against “peddlers of disinformation” and a reaffirmation of the nation’s Constitution.

“This is not just about the ANC. It is a national movement to defend our democracy,” Mbalula said in a media briefing alongside party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri and first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane.

The march will start at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg, proceed towards Mandela Bridge, and conclude at Constitutional Hill a symbolic route linking the city’s commercial hub to a historic site of justice and human rights.

Fighting disinformation at home and abroad

Mbalula highlighted growing concerns over foreign misrepresentation of South Africa’s affairs. “We have seen people peddling disinformation in the US, lying that there is a genocide. President Cyril Ramaphosa went to the White House to engage and dispel these lies,” he said.

He added that these false narratives have targeted South Africa’s foreign policy, Black Economic Empowerment policies, and even triggered threats of investigations abroad. “This march is important to show unity and defend the truth about our country,” Mbalula stated.

Social media reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Many users on X (formerly Twitter) expressed support, framing the march as a necessary stand for South African sovereignty. Others questioned the timing and the ANC’s motives, highlighting ongoing political polarization in the country.

Responding to undiplomatic interference

The call to action also comes in the wake of controversial remarks from US Ambassador Brent Bozell III regarding the “Kill the Boer” chant. During a podcast, Bozell labelled it as hate speech, contradicting a 2022 Equality Court ruling that deemed the chant neither hate speech nor incitement.

“Bozell came here and spoke out of turn even before he presented his credentials,” Mbalula said. “He fought against this democracy by protesting against OR Tambo and undermined our courts. We will not allow disrespect, and that’s why our government decided to demarche him.”

The march, therefore, is also being positioned as a symbolic response to both domestic and international attempts to delegitimise South Africa’s institutions and legal processes.

A call for unity across society

Beyond countering disinformation, Mbalula stressed that the march is a celebration of South Africa’s diversity and collective responsibility. “The future of this country cannot be built by one group alone,” he said. “It requires the collective effort of all who live in it unity across race, class, gender, and geography. Our diversity is our strength.”

As citizens prepare to take to the streets, the People’s March stands as a reminder of South Africa’s ongoing struggle to protect democracy, confront misinformation, and uphold the legacy of Sharpeville in a modern context.

{Source: IOL}

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