March and March Movement demands retraction from Sowetan Live over "vigilante" label
Legal representatives for the March and March Movement have issued a formal letter of demand to the media outlet Sowetan Live, seeking a full retraction and public apology following a publication they describe as “reckless, baseless, and derogatory.”
The letter, authored by Zuma & Partners Incorporated on 29 March 2026, stems from an article published on 27 March 2026 by journalist Sibongakonke Shoba. The legal firm alleges the publication was a strategically choreographed attempt to damage the reputation of the non-profit organisation.
The core dispute
At the heart of the legal demand is the characterization of the March and March Movement. According to the document, the publication referred to the NPO as a “vigilante group that is inciting violence against African foreign nationals.”
The movement's attorneys have hit back, labeling these claims as devoid of truth and pedestrian. They argue that the reporting wrongfully imputes criminal conduct, xenophobic behavior, and incitement to violence upon their client without providing a shred of evidence.
Allegations of ethical breaches
Zuma & Partners further claim that Sowetan Live failed to uphold basic journalistic standards as prescribed by the Press Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media. Specifically, the firm alleges a total lack of verification, noting that the publication made no attempt to confirm the claims with the movement.
Furthermore, the NPO asserts it was not afforded a right of reply prior to the article going live. This conduct, the letter states, has resulted in serious impairment of the organization's good name and has exposed it to public hostility and legal prejudice.
The demands
The March and March Movement has set a strict three-day deadline for Sowetan Live to comply with several formal demands. First, the media outlet must publish a clear and prominent retraction of the statement labeling them an anti-foreigner vigilante group. Second, they must issue a written public apology acknowledging the defamatory nature of the original statements. Finally, the outlet must cease and desist from any further dissemination of derogatory content regarding the organisation.
The legal firm warned that failure to adhere to these demands within the 72-hour window would lead to further legal action and a claim for damages. As of the date of the letter, the March and March Movement maintains that its operations remain fully compliant with the Nonprofit Organisations Act 71 of 1997.