Operation Dudula
Johannesburg – Operation Dudula has hit back at a recent Gauteng High Court judgement that branded its activities against suspected undocumented immigrants as unlawful and xenophobic. The group, known for its campaigns to block foreigners from accessing public services, says it will appeal the ruling to keep fighting what it calls illegality in South Africa. Leaders argue the decision ignores real problems like crime, drug dealing, and stolen medicine linked to illegal immigration.
The judgement, handed down on 4 November 2025 by Judge Leicester Adams, came after an urgent application by Kopanong Africa Against Xenophobia and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute. It stops Operation Dudula from harassing or blocking people at hospitals, clinics, and schools. The group must also pay the legal costs. This has sparked heated debate about immigration enforcement and the role of vigilante groups in a country grappling with high unemployment and strained public resources.
Background to Operation Dudula and Its Campaigns
Operation Dudula started in 2021 as a community movement born out of frustration among ordinary South Africans. Many felt left behind by government policies that seemed to favour foreigners. The name “Dudula” means “push out” in isiZulu, and the group has focused on what it sees as the negative impacts of illegal immigration. Members have picketed outside hospitals, demanding proof of legal status from patients, and patrolled schools to check on learners and teachers.
The movement claims it is not against all foreigners, but only those breaking the law. It points to issues like hijacked buildings in city centres and townships, often run by people from Nigeria, Congo, or Zimbabwe. Leaders say these properties become hubs for crime. They also highlight drug problems, blaming Nigerians for much of the trade, even while admitting some South Africans are involved. Another big concern is the theft of medicine from public health facilities, which they say is smuggled to countries like Zimbabwe. Recent incidents, like a bus crash that killed dozens and revealed stolen ARVs, are cited as proof.
Beyond immigration, Operation Dudula helps with housing issues. It fights syndicates that target child-headed homes and elderly people, leading to unfair evictions. These groups allegedly involve banks, the Master’s Office, deeds offices, judges, sheriffs, and police. The movement acts as private investigators, gathering evidence and supporting victims who feel ignored by authorities. People now turn to Dudula instead of reporting to police, as they get quicker help.
The High Court Judgement and Its Key Findings
In a 52-page judgement, Judge Adams ruled that Operation Dudula’s actions violate the Constitution. He said the group cannot take the law into its own hands by demanding documents or blocking access to services. Only police or immigration officials have that power. The court found the conduct discriminatory, based on nationality, and harmful to vulnerable people needing healthcare or education.
The interdict is clear: Dudula members must not harass, intimidate, or threaten suspected foreigners at public facilities. They cannot incite violence or spread hate. The judgement stresses that everyone in South Africa, citizen or not, has rights to dignity and access to basic services. It rejects Dudula’s argument that they are just enforcing laws the government ignores.
The applicants argued that Dudula’s campaigns create fear and division. For example, at Hillbrow Clinic and other sites, protesters have stopped patients from entering, leading to delays in treatment. Schools have also been targeted, disrupting classes for children. The court agreed this amounts to vigilantism and undermines the rule of law.
Operation Dudula’s Response and Plans to Appeal
In a strong response, Operation Dudula leaders said the judgement will not end their work. They described the group as bigger than any individual, born from citizens’ frustrations after being overlooked for too long. “I don’t think there’s anyone that has powers to close down Operation Dudula,” one leader said. They plan to appeal because they want to keep pushing for a safe, law-abiding South Africa.
The appeal will challenge several points. First, Dudula was not represented in court due to technical issues, denying them a fair chance to present their side. They cite Section 35(3) of the Constitution, which gives everyone the right to legal representation. Leaders argue the judge should have given them time to get lawyers. They also say the costs order is unfair since they had no legal team.
On the ground, Dudula vows to continue operations while the appeal is pending. “When we appeal it’s going to set aside the judgement and we continue until the next set down,” a spokesperson explained. They warn that stopping now would hurt South Africans more – leading to overcrowded schools, long queues for medicine, and delays in cancer treatment for locals. The group insists it fights all illegality, whether by foreigners or South Africans.
Leaders pointed to specific examples. Women are raped, children die from poisonous snacks sold by Somalis or Pakistanis, and drugs flood in from Nigerians. Hijacked buildings in Johannesburg are often owned by Congolese or Nigerians, they claim. On health, they recalled police busts of vehicles carrying stolen medicine to Zimbabwe, including a recent accident where 40 people died. “We’re not just making noise, we’re raising real issues here,” they said.
The group also criticised the timing of related actions, like the City of Johannesburg enforcing its informal trading policy ahead of the G20 summit. They question why officials allow foreigners to sell second-hand clothes or trade near key sites like Park Station, alleging bribes. Dudula helped clean up areas like Diepsloot and Hillbrow in the past, pushing for spaces reserved for South Africans, like City Deep Market now occupied by Nigerians.
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