By Themba Zwane
MBABANE – Ngobamakhosi Ntombela, the man who recently claimed he spent years living in Eswatini before returning to South Africa to reclaim the Ntombela traditional leadership, has emerged as one of the newest prominent figures in the controversial anti-illegal immigration campaign known as March and March.
Ntombela is among several public figures who have aligned themselves with the movement, which has gained widespread attention across South Africa through demonstrations and campaigns calling for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals. The campaign reached another milestone after June 30, a date its supporters had identified as a deadline for undocumented immigrants to leave the country.
Although the movement has largely been associated with founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and outspoken activist Nkosikhona “Phakel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba, Ntombela has recently become one of its latest additions, bringing with him his own controversial claims surrounding traditional leadership.
Ntombela shot to prominence on social media in recent months after announcing that he had returned to South Africa following what he described as years spent in Eswatini, where he claimed he had sought refuge. According to his public statements, he believes the period spent outside South Africa delayed his pursuit of the Ntombela traditional leadership.
He has repeatedly maintained that he returned with the intention of reclaiming what he considers his rightful position as leader of the Ntombela traditional clan. In several social media videos, he declared that “what belongs to Caesar must be returned to Caesar,” arguing that the traditional leadership should be restored to him.
His assertions immediately generated widespread public debate, particularly because the Ntombela traditional leadership is currently associated with Chief Vukani Ntombela. The competing claims prompted questions from members of the public and traditional leadership observers about the basis of Ngobamakhosi’s claim.
The matter also attracted the attention of the Zulu Royal Household. Prince Thulani Zulu, the spokesperson for the Royal Household, publicly challenged Ntombela to explain where he had come from before declaring himself the rightful traditional leader, noting that he had only recently emerged making such claims.
Despite the controversy surrounding his bid for traditional leadership, Ntombela has now become actively involved in the March and March campaign, joining a growing list of personalities advocating for stricter action against undocumented immigrants.
The movement is led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, a former radio presenter who previously worked at community station Vibe FM before joining Gagasi FM, where she co-hosted the popular morning programme alongside Alex Mthiyane and Kini Shandu. She later moved to Vuma FM, where she launched the March and March campaign while still employed as a broadcaster.
Her activism has attracted both support and criticism. Some questioned whether she could simultaneously lead such a politically sensitive campaign while serving as a radio presenter. She also made headlines following a public exchange with KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane over claims that public hospitals were becoming overwhelmed by foreign nationals.
Another influential campaign figure is Nkosikhona “Phakel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba from Mandlakazi near Nongoma. Besides serving as a traditional regiment coordinator, Ndabandaba has appeared in television productions, including iShaka iLembe. He has built a substantial social media following through videos in which he speaks passionately about immigration and has previously said he chose to begin his campaign in Nongoma because he believed it was important to “clean up at home first” before expanding to other parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of South Africa.
Veteran broadcaster Ngizwe Mchunu has also become one of the movement’s most recognisable supporters. Formerly a presenter at Ukhozi FM, Mchunu rose to prominence through his work promoting maskandi music before leaving the station. He later established a strong presence on social media with his outspoken commentary, becoming widely known for his catchphrase “Azikhale”, which gained popularity among supporters and even found its way into commercial advertising campaigns. However, the slogan also became the subject of legal proceedings after allegations that it had been used to incite violence during the July 2021 unrest.
Other personalities associated with the campaign include traditional healer Mthokozisi Gumede, popularly known as Felemntwini, and businessman and traditional regiment coordinator Mfazogcwele Makhanya from Mbumbulu.
With Ntombela now joining their ranks, the March and March campaign continues to attract new high-profile supporters while remaining at the centre of South Africa’s ongoing debate over undocumented immigration and national identity.
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