Police Open Case Against Operation Dudula
In a tense showdown outside the G20 Leaders’ Summit venue, South African police have opened a criminal case against members of Operation Dudula following a protest that turned chaotic on Saturday, 22 November 2025.
The charges include inciting public violence, violating a court order, and assaulting a police officer. The demonstration, held near the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, saw dozens of protesters clash with law enforcement, leading to the use of tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
This incident highlights deep frustrations among some South Africans over issues like unemployment, immigration, and corruption, which protesters argue should take precedence over hosting international events. As world leaders gathered inside to discuss global matters, the outside unrest served as a stark reminder of local challenges facing the host nation.
The protest, initially planned as a peaceful gathering, escalated when participants attempted to move beyond a designated area, prompting a firm response from police. While no major disruptions to the summit occurred, the event has sparked debates about freedom of expression and the balance between security and public dissent during high-profile gatherings.
The Protest Unfolds: From Peaceful Demands to Tear Gas Clashes
Operation Dudula, a group known for its stance against illegal immigration and calls for prioritising South African citizens, had announced plans for a lawful demonstration ahead of the G20 Summit. Leader Zandile Dabula explained the group’s motivations, stating that the government should focus on domestic crises rather than global diplomacy. “It’s meaningless to be hosting other countries when you can’t even do the right things for your own people. Yes, it’s a privilege that South Africa is the first African country to host, but it’s meaningless if we’re suffering,” Dabula said shortly before the clash.
A specific zone was set aside for the protest to ensure it did not interfere with the summit activities. However, tensions rose when members tried to leave this area and approach closer to the venue. Police refused to allow them to proceed, citing a potential breach of security protocols. What followed was a standoff, with officers deploying tear gas and pepper spray to control the crowd.
Eyewitness accounts describe running battles between protesters and police, with dozens of Operation Dudula members scattering amid the chaos. Dabula herself was among those affected, being pepper-sprayed and escorted to her car to recover after speaking with media. The group, joined by supporters from the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, argued that South Africa faces high unemployment, rampant crime, failing service delivery, and economic hardship, blaming these partly on illegal immigration. They criticised the government for welcoming over 150 Palestinians recently while citizens struggle daily.
The protest drew attention to broader grievances, including the unemployment crisis affecting over 32% of South Africans, immigration policies perceived as lax, and corruption scandals that have eroded public trust. Demonstrators waved placards demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa address these local issues before engaging in international forums.
Police Response: Charges Filed and Security Measures Enforced
In the aftermath, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a case has been opened against Operation Dudula. The charges stem from allegations that the group incited violence during the protest, disobeyed a court order restricting their actions, and assaulted an officer. Mathe emphasised that law enforcement will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the international event or break the law.
The response aligns with the heightened security for the G20, which includes over 3,500 additional police officers, roadblocks, checkpoints, and patrols. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure has been monitoring threats daily, with the military on standby. Despite the clash, no major breaches occurred inside the venue, allowing discussions to proceed smoothly.
This is not the first time Operation Dudula has clashed with authorities. The group has a history of vigilante-style actions against foreign-owned businesses, leading to previous court interdicts. In recent years, they have been involved in protests in areas like Soweto and Alexandra, often resulting in arrests for public violence and intimidation. Their campaigns have sparked debates on xenophobia, with critics accusing them of fuelling anti-immigrant sentiment, while supporters view them as defenders of local jobs and resources.
Broader Context: Protests Amid G20’s Global Focus
The Operation Dudula protest is part of a wave of demonstrations around the G20 Summit, reflecting South Africa’s domestic struggles against the backdrop of international diplomacy. Other groups, including Women for Change, have called for action on gender-based violence, while white minority activists have raised concerns over perceived marginalisation. Unemployment, at a staggering 46% among youth, and corruption scandals have fuelled public discontent, with many questioning the value of hosting such events when basic services like electricity and water remain unreliable in many communities.
Inside the summit, leaders from 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union are tackling issues like debt sustainability, climate finance, and inclusive growth—topics that directly impact Africa. South Africa’s presidency has prioritised these, establishing panels on debt and inequality to amplify the continent’s voice. However, protesters like those from Operation Dudula argue that global talks mean little without addressing local priorities first.
The G20 has already seen economic benefits for Johannesburg, with increased tourism injecting millions into hotels, transport, and local businesses. Infrastructure upgrades around the city centre could have lasting effects, but critics say these gains do not trickle down to the unemployed and vulnerable.
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