‘March and March is funded’: Ngizwe makes claims as Jacinta challenges him to provide proof

IOL

Former March and March leader Ngizwe Mchunu claims the movement is being funded by a local political party and an international funder – allegations that March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has challenged him to substantiate.

In an exclusive interview with IOL, Mchunu said he believed the days of March and March were numbered and said his change in stance followed a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“March and March is funded by a local political party too and, what I can say is, they have two accounts. I will say all in time. For now, I have to fix the country. This government has collapsed, the economy is suffering, and I had to meet the president halfway. We are working together to fix things,” Mchunu told IOL.

Responding to the claims of external funding, Ngobese-Zuma challenged Mchunu to provide evidence.

“We all know he is just an ANC project. He must stop saying he has proof and just show everyone the proof. It’s very simple. Instead of fighting with us, he should be clearing his name over claims that he was bribed, if it’s not true,” Ngobese-Zuma told IOL.

Another person who described themselves as being close to March and March also made claims about Mchunu’s departure from the movement.

“We know there was a figure of R10 million paid. We have witnesses and proof. This was a clear tactic to divide March and March, and they succeeded. They played the movement with one thing that most people can’t refuse: money. A lot of it,” the person alleged.

The individual also claimed they had previously warned Ngobese-Zuma about Mchunu and raised concerns about another member of the movement. These claims have not been independently verified by IOL.

Asked about the allegations, Mchunu denied receiving any funding and dismissed suggestions that he had been paid, saying he lived a simple life.

Questioned about his source of income and his security entourage, he defended his lifestyle, saying he had three wives who owned their own businesses and contributed to his upkeep.

“I also have some people who are like brothers to me who have security businesses, and they protect me because they want me to be safe,” he added.

Mchunu also criticised Ngobese-Zuma, describing her as “stupid, inferior and politically inexperienced”.

“I’ve played Shaka Zulu, travelled all over the world, and even lived in France for six months. I’m a born leader. I tried to teach them. I told them not to march with political colours. It was a mistake to have ActionSA leaders marching with us. We should not be promoting any political party, but they did not want to listen. Now you see what is happening. March and March is finished. After the local elections, they will be dead. Nobody will listen to them,” he said.

The fallout between the two prominent figures has been felt among supporters of the movement. The weekly protests and public presence appear to have lost momentum, with fewer participants and divisions emerging among supporters.

For Mchunu, however, his political ambitions remain alive.

Between bites of his lamb curry, he sought to portray a calmer image. Gone was the Zulu regalia and the angry rebel persona associated with some of his public appearances. Instead, he wore jeans and a jumper.

Calm, charming and smiling, he confidently declared: “I’m going to be the next president!”

And he appeared convinced.