by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG – THE controversial vigilante group, Operation Dudula, has begun clashing with ordinary South Africans, validating warnings that its campaign of intimidation would eventually backfire.
Almost a year ago, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema cautioned that the movement—celebrated in some circles for targeting foreign nationals—would one day turn on locals once migrants were no longer available as scapegoats.
“Once they (Operation Dudula) are done with foreigners, they will come for you (South Africans),” Malema said during last year’s watershed election campaign.
That prediction came true this week when members of Operation Dudula confronted a South African woman at a public healthcare facility, demanding she produce an identity document before receiving medical attention.
The woman resisted, leading to heated clashes and disruption of services.
Dudula’s Hardline Stance
Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula has remained defiant, insisting that her organisation will continue preventing foreign nationals from accessing state healthcare services, despite widespread criticism.
“We do not want foreigners to access our public healthcare facilities. If they need medical attention, they are welcome to use private facilities and pay for them,” Dabula told local media.
She added that foreigners who can prove they are in the country legally and are prepared to pay for healthcare would not face opposition.
However, rights groups have challenged the legality and morality of such actions, warning they violate both constitutional provisions and international humanitarian standards.
Government Pushback
The movement’s disruptive activities have prompted condemnation from government officials.
Makhi Feni, Parliamentary Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Science and the Creative Industries, labelled Operation Dudula “a distraction” that undermines South Africa’s democracy and rule of law.
“Operation Dudula’s actions have the potential to misrepresent our country. South Africa is a nation of law and order, and these laws must be strictly adhered to,” Feni said.
He stressed that immigration challenges cannot be resolved through vigilante measures.
“We cannot all adopt vigilante tactics when dealing with a challenge that everyone accepts as massive and worthy of resolution. Legislative amendments are being pursued to resolve this issue,” Feni said.
State Interventions
Feni pointed to several government initiatives addressing migration, including the establishment of the Border Management Agency in 2024, a Labour Migration Policy, and deportation measures by the Department of Home Affairs.
“People do not just come to South Africa out of free will but often in search of refuge from hunger and conflict. Operation Dudula must not persecute those in need of help and food,” he said.
Escalating Campaign
In recent months, Operation Dudula has staged campaigns at healthcare centres, barring entry to foreign nationals.
The group announced plans to expand its disruptions to schools in 2026, sparking further concern among policymakers and civil society organisations.
Critics warn that the organisation poses a growing threat, not only to migrants but also to South Africans themselves—an outcome Malema foresaw when he issued his warning.
– CAJ News
