The African National Congress (ANC):"People's March"

Photo source: Facebook/The ANC Gauteng

The African National Congress (ANC) held a major "People's March" in the Johannesburg CBD and Braamfontein on Saturday, March 21, 2026, to commemorate Human Rights Day and the 66th anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre. The march aimed to defend South Africa's sovereignty, democracy, and Constitution against alleged foreign influence and disinformation. 

Key Details of the March:

• Participants: Thousands of supporters, including ANC leaders and alliance partners, marched, with about 50,000 people anticipated.
• Route: The march began at 12:00 PM at Mary Fitzgerald Square (Newtown) and Beyers Naude Square, moving through the city center to Constitution Hill in Braamfontein.
• Purpose: The march was branded as a defense of "sovereignty and democratic gains," following accusations by the US government that Pretoria is misaligning with its foreign policy, a claim the ANC strongly rejects.
• Focus: ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated the march was not an attack on the government but a demonstration of unity, the need for continued transformation, and a response to the "peddlers of disinformation".
• Activities: The event featured slogans like #SAWillNotBeBullied and #DefendOurSovereignty, with the programme culminating in messages of support at Constitution Hill. 

The march caused significant traffic disruptions in the Johannesburg CBD. 

The African National Congress (ANC) and its alliance partners held a large-scale event yesterday, Saturday, 21 March 2026, known as "The People's March" in Johannesburg. The march coincided with South Africa's Human Rights Day and the 30th anniversary of the Constitution. 

Event Overview

• Purpose: The march was officially titled "In Defence of Our Sovereignty and Democratic Gains". It aimed to defend South Africa's democracy against perceived external pressure and "peddlers of disinformation".
• Route: Demonstrators gathered at Mary Fitzgerald Square and Beyers Naude Square in Newtown starting at 07h00. The march officially kicked off at 10h00, moving across the Mandela Bridge through the CBD and concluding in Braamfontein.
• Final Destination: The march ended at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein, where ANC leadership and speakers addressed the crowd. 

Key Themes & Activities

• National Sovereignty: A central theme was rejecting foreign interference. Slogans used by the party included #SAWillNotBeBullied and #DefendOurSovereignty.
• Commemoration: Participants reflected on the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle and the progress of the past 30 years.
• Unity: ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula described it as a "disciplined formation" intended to unite workers, youth, and women.
• Attendance: An estimated 50,000 participants were expected by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). 

By Google AI.