Operation Dudula President Zandile Dabula
by Thabo Mosia
In a cringe-worthy moment that has taken South African social media by storm, Operation Dudula president Zandile Dabula stumbled badly during a live eNCA interview when asked to define “Frontline States.” The exchange, aired on 19 October 2025 with host Asanda Beda, has racked up nearly 100,000 engagements, drawing sharp mockery from figures like YouTuber Slik Talk and EFF leader Julius Malema. Slik Talk, in his viral reaction video, dubbed Dabula the “Domkop of the Year,” tearing into her lack of knowledge on a basic historical concept while questioning her leadership credentials. This blunder has ignited fierce debates on xenophobia, pan-Africanism, and the irony of a group targeting migrants from countries that once aided South Africa’s freedom struggle.
The incident highlights the growing divide between historical solidarity among African nations and current anti-immigrant sentiments pushed by groups like Operation Dudula. As videos of the interview spread like wildfire on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, many South Africans expressed disbelief at Dabula’s confusion, while others defended her focus on local issues over history lessons. With the clip titled “ZANDILE DABULA OF DUDULA EMBARRASSED ON LIVE TV” gaining traction, it has sparked close to 100,000 views and comments, turning a simple question into a national talking point.

The Viral eNCA Interview: A Simple Question Turns Awkward
During the live discussion on eNCA, host Asanda Beda posed an open-ended question to Dabula: “If I say Frontline States, what comes to mind and what can you say in relation to that?” The query was tied to Operation Dudula’s controversial actions against migrants, many from nations that historically supported South Africa’s anti-apartheid fight. Dabula, appearing flustered, struggled to respond coherently.
She rambled about the Freedom Charter, Operation Dudula’s role in governance, and autopilot leadership, completely missing the mark. After repeated prompting, she admitted, “I don’t know what are ‘Frontline States’.” The moment, captured in clips shared widely, left viewers stunned. Beda tried to clarify, but Dabula’s responses veered off into unrelated topics like pilots and power structures, amplifying the embarrassment.
This slip-up occurred amid talks on Operation Dudula’s recent clinic blockades, where members have barred undocumented migrants from accessing public services. Critics argue such moves ignore the historical debt South Africa owes to neighbouring countries, making Dabula’s ignorance particularly ironic.
Slik Talk’s Brutal Takedown: “Domkop of the Year”
YouTuber Slik Talk wasted no time reacting in a video that has since gone viral, roasting Dabula’s performance with his signature sharp wit. “What’s good YouTube? This is Slick Talk and I’m back with another video,” he began, before diving in. Noting her outfit—a scarf in October, dusty braids, and hoop earrings—he quipped about her appearance before tearing into her responses.
As the clip played, Slik Talk paused repeatedly to mock her confusion. “Wait, what does that have to do with the question of frontline state? That’s like a simple basic definition. All you have to say it’s African countries,” he said, frustrated. He called her out for linking Operation Dudula to the topic irrelevantly, exclaiming, “What what does operation dudulla have to do with frontline state? Continue.”
Slik Talk labelled her a “complete fraud,” comparing her to past controversial figures like Nhlanhla Lux, whom he had called out years ago. “How do you want to lead a whole like community? What is operation dudul? It’s not a party. It’s like a whole community of people trying to get foreigners out. But you don’t know a simple definition of a frontline state,” he ranted. He suggested she should have just admitted ignorance: “If you don’t know a question, instead of trying to come up with an answer in your own head, just say, ‘No, I don’t know what that is. I’ll look up the definition and come back to you.’”
His video, filled with pauses for emphasis and disbelief, has amplified the backlash, positioning Dabula as the “Domkop of the Year” in online circles.
Julius Malema’s Fiery Response: “Proper Garbage with No Clue”
EFF leader Julius Malema joined the fray, slamming Dabula in a scathing post that called her response “proper garbage.” “We are subjected to rubbish, like proper garbage with no clue non whatsoever. Mxm,” Malema wrote, expressing frustration at what he sees as uninformed leadership. He has long criticised Operation Dudula as a “group of thugs,” demanding investigations into their activities.
Malema’s comments tie into the EFF’s pan-African stance, which stresses unity with other African nations. He argued that Dabula’s ignorance undermines her credibility, especially when her group targets migrants from Frontline States. “DUMBNESS ON STEROIDS,” he added in another post, mocking her followers for defending her. This is not Malema’s first clash with Dudula; in July 2025, he questioned their motives, and in September, he reiterated calls for probes.
Operation Dudula’s Controversial Rise and Actions
Founded in 2021, Operation Dudula has grown as an anti-immigrant movement, pushing to “put South Africans first” by targeting foreign-owned businesses and blocking migrants from services. Led by Dabula, the group argues it fills gaps in government immigration control amid high unemployment and economic strain. However, critics label it xenophobic and vigilante, saying it divides communities and ignores historical ties.
Recent actions, like clinic blockades, have drawn fire for denying healthcare to vulnerable people, including children. Dabula defends these as necessary to protect local resources, but the eNCA blunder has shifted focus to her knowledge gaps. The group’s name, meaning “push back” in Zulu, reflects its aggressive approach, but incidents like this have led to questions about its leadership and long-term impact.
What Are Frontline States? A Quick Historical Primer
The Frontline States were a group of southern African countries—Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—that stood against apartheid from the 1960s to the 1990s. They provided military aid, training for freedom fighters, and pushed for global sanctions on South Africa. These nations hosted ANC bases, offered refuge to exiles, and faced attacks from the apartheid regime in retaliation.
Their role was crucial in isolating South Africa and supporting the liberation struggle. Today, many South Africans feel a debt of gratitude to these countries, making Dudula’s targeting of their citizens a sore point. The term “Frontline States” is basic history, often taught in schools, which is why Dabula’s confusion has sparked such ridicule.
Public Backlash and Online Storm
The interview has exploded online, with clips on YouTube and Facebook amassing thousands of views. Comments range from laughter to anger, with many calling Dabula unfit to lead. “She does not know what a frontline state is. How do you want to lead a whole community?” one user echoed Slik Talk’s sentiment.
Zimbabweans, in particular, have trolled her heavily, pointing out the irony of attacking migrants from a country that helped end apartheid. Social media is abuzz with memes and debates, some defending Dabula’s patriotism despite her knowledge gap, while others see it as proof of shallow leadership.
Malema’s followers have amplified the criticism, tying it to broader attacks on Dudula as divisive. The nearly 100,000 engagements show how quickly such moments can damage reputations in the digital age.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
I’m https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
_________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate