African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Fikile Mbalula on Wednesday framed the upcoming “People’s March” as a reaffirmation of the “true values” of the country’s democracy, a rejection of division and misinformation, and a call for unity amid complex challenges.

The “People’s March” will take place on Saturday, starting from the Mary Fitzgerald Square, across the Mandela Bridge, to Constitution Hill.

The mobilisation will be led by the ANC and its alliance partners, the South African Communist Party, Congress of South African Trade Unions and South African National Civic Organisation, and will bring together business formations, labour, faith-based organisations and civil society movements.

This mass mobilisation coincides with Human Rights Day and marks 30 years of the South African Constitution.

Speaking during the official launch of the march, Mbalula described the event as a necessary response to the rise of misinformation, distortion and coordinated narratives, which he said sought to undermine public confidence in democratic institutions, and create division among the country’s people.

He said these narratives were often driven by narrow interests that were opposed to transformation and that sought to preserve historical privilege.

Earlier this month, the ANC condemned US ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III’s utterances on South Africa's foreign policy and domestic laws.

In an address to a BizNews 2026 conference, Bozell outlined the US’s supposed frustration with South Africa for not adhering to requests on land expropriation, broad-based black economic empowerment, the protection of white farmers and others.

Bozell noted the continued and mutually beneficial relationship South Africa had with US-based tech-companies, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon and VISA, and the more than 500 US companies which operated in South Africa.

Mbalula said there were broader global dynamics and external pressures intersecting with these domestic challenges, that sometimes reinforced instability and uncertainty.

He said South Africa approached these uncertainties with sobriety and responsibility.

“We will not be reckless, nor be drawn into unnecessary confrontation, instead we remain guarded by the principles of democratic engagement, constructive dialogue and the defence of national sovereignty, within the framework of international cooperation,” he stated.

He said on Saturday citizens would not rise in disorder but in disciplined formation.

“… not in anger but in purposeful resolve, not in fragmentation but in unity of a nation that understands both its history and its power. This is the march that carries the voice of the workers, the hopes of the youth, the resilience of women and the aspirations of communities across the length and breadth of our country,” Mbalula said.