March and March says it has no plans to become a political party despite growing calls from supporters to contest elections.
The anti-illegal immigration civic movement has instead set its sights on building what it describes as an “AfriForum for black South Africans”.
Leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said some supporters believed the organisation would represent them more effectively if it entered formal politics.
However, she does not believe becoming a political party would allow the movement to serve its supporters better.
“Personally, I don’t feel that way; I don’t feel we will do them much justice,” Ngobese-Zuma said.
New legal forum launched
The organisation announced on Monday that it had established a social justice litigation forum.
The new structure is expected to give the movement a legal platform through which it can pursue matters affecting the communities it represents.
March and March also launched a humanitarian foundation as part of its expansion beyond public demonstrations.
The movement said its initiatives were funded by ordinary South Africans.
It did not provide further details about the foundation’s programmes, leadership structure or planned legal cases.
AfriForum model inspires plans
Ngobese-Zuma said the organisation wanted to follow a civic model similar to that used by Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum.
She said the long-term vision included creating independent community institutions and eventually building schools.
March and March wants these projects to reflect what it considers a proudly South African identity.
The comparison suggests the movement intends to focus on advocacy, litigation and community development rather than electoral politics.
Immigration protests drive growth
March and March has gained public attention through protests opposing illegal immigration.
Its demonstrations have attracted large crowds in recent months, helping it grow its support base.
The movement’s decision differs from Operation Dudula, another anti-illegal immigration organisation that moved into party politics.
Ngobese-Zuma said March and March would remain a civic organisation despite pressure from people who still view political parties as the main route to representation.
Its new legal and humanitarian structures are now expected to become central to its work.