The civil society group turned political movement argues that public services should be reserved for SA citizens, citing overstretched systems and government failure to enforce immigration laws.
In an interview with Channel Africa’s Rise and Shine this week, Zandile Dabula, President of Operation Dudula, insisted the organisation is not xenophobic but focused on prioritising South Africans.
“We are a failed nation, failed by our own government,” she said.
“Public hospitals are funded by SA taxpayers. We are not saying foreign nationals should not get medical help, we’re saying they must pay for it or use private healthcare.”
Dabula questioned the interpretation of the Constitution, asserting that it has been misrepresented to include undocumented migrants in entitlements meant for citizens.
She blamed porous borders and ineffective enforcement for the presence of undocumented individuals, arguing that this leads to crime, overcrowded public institutions, and strained infrastructure.
However, human rights experts have pushed back. Nomzamo Zondo, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI), expressed deep concern at Operation Dudula’s actions, describing them as dangerous and legally indefensible.
“Healthcare for new mothers and children up to six is a constitutional right,” Zondo said.
“Denying care to vulnerable people undermines public health. Communal protection is the first line of defence.”
Zondo acknowledged widespread frustrations over poverty, unemployment and poor service delivery, but warned against scapegoating migrants.
“Migration is not a silver bullet for SA’s problems. The State has failed to allocate and use resources effectively. We must fix the system, not turn on the most vulnerable,” she said.
–ChannelAfrica–
