Operation Dudula
By Thabo Mosia
In a tense standoff that highlighted deep frustrations over local issues, police clashed with members of Operation Dudula protesting outside the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 November 2025. Officers fired tear gas, stun grenades, rubber bullets, and pepper spray to disperse the crowd after protesters tried to move beyond their designated area. The incident unfolded as world leaders gathered for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first on African soil, drawing attention to South Africa’s challenges like unemployment, immigration, and corruption amid the global spotlight. Dozens of demonstrators were involved, with some arrests made, underscoring the divide between international prestige and domestic hardships.
Operation Dudula, a group known for its stance against illegal immigration and calls for prioritising South Africans in jobs and services, argued that hosting the summit was a waste when the country faces pressing problems. The protest, held about two kilometres from the venue, started peacefully but turned chaotic, leaving leaders like Zandile Dabula affected by the police response. As the summit focuses on themes like solidarity and equality, this event raises questions about how global events impact everyday South Africans.
The Protest Turns Volatile: From Chants to Tear Gas
The demonstration began with Operation Dudula members gathering in a specific spot set aside for protests, voicing their discontent with the government’s focus on the G20. They chanted and held signs highlighting issues like the unemployment crisis, which affects over 30% of the population, immigration concerns, and widespread corruption. The group believes South Africa should tackle these home-grown problems before splashing out on international gatherings that, in their view, offer little direct benefit to ordinary citizens.
Things escalated when protesters attempted to leave the designated area and march closer to the Nasrec Expo Centre. Police, citing a “breach” of the rules, refused to let them proceed and responded with force. Officers fired stun grenades to scatter the group, followed by tear gas and pepper spray to push them back. In the chaos, rubber bullets were also used, leading to several arrests. Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion, with protesters coughing from the gas and scrambling to safety.
Just before the clash, Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula spoke out about their reasons for being there. “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,” she said. Moments later, Dabula was pepper-sprayed by officers and had to be helped to her car to recover, an act that has drawn sharp criticism from the group.
Operation Dudula has since expressed deep unhappiness with the police handling, claiming the response was over the top for a peaceful protest. They argue that their message about hunger, safety, and putting South Africans first was drowned out by the heavy-handed tactics.
Police Stance: No Tolerance for Disruptions
Law enforcement has stood firm on their actions, stating they will not allow any lawlessness or attempts to disrupt the international event. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, overseeing security for the summit, has deployed over 3,500 extra officers, with the military on standby. This includes roadblocks, patrols, and intelligence monitoring to keep things under control.
A police spokesperson explained that the designated protest area was meant to balance the right to demonstrate with the need to protect delegates and maintain order. When the group tried to break out, officers acted to prevent any risk to the summit, which hosts leaders from 42 countries, including China’s Premier Li Qiang, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
This is not the first time protests have tested security at major events in Johannesburg. Similar clashes happened during past gatherings, where groups voiced grievances over service delivery and economic woes. Police say their approach is guided by lessons from these, ensuring quick but measured responses to avoid escalation.
Operation Dudula’s Grievances: A Cry for Local Priorities
At the heart of the protest is Operation Dudula’s belief that South Africa is ignoring its own people in favour of global showpieces. The movement, which started in Soweto and has spread across the country, campaigns against what they see as unchecked immigration that takes jobs from locals. They point to the 31% unemployment rate, extreme poverty affecting millions, and corruption scandals that drain public funds.
Leaders argue that the money spent on hosting the G20—covering security, infrastructure upgrades, and logistics—could better fix domestic issues like water shortages, power cuts, and housing backlogs. They also raise safety concerns, claiming illegal immigration fuels crime in communities. While the summit promises economic boosts through tourism and investments, protesters say these benefits rarely reach the unemployed or poor.
The group had announced plans for a peaceful demonstration days before, citing the G20 as a symbol of misplaced priorities. Their actions tie into wider calls from other organisations, like the MK Party, which also clashed with police nearby over similar demands for jobs and better governance.
Summit Security in the Spotlight: Balancing Rights and Safety
The G20 has turned Nasrec into a fortress, with the entire area locked down and checks at every entry. This heavy presence, while effective in preventing breaches, has sparked debates about protest rights. Human rights groups have called for restraint, urging police to respect peaceful assembly under South Africa’s Constitution.
Despite the incident, the summit proceeded without internal disruptions, with leaders adopting the Johannesburg Declaration by consensus. It covers global issues like debt relief and climate finance, which Ramaphosa says will benefit Africa in the long run. However, for protesters like those from Operation Dudula, these promises feel distant compared to immediate needs.
Local economists note that events like the G20 can inject millions into Johannesburg’s economy through visitor spending, creating short-term jobs in hospitality and transport. Yet, critics argue this is a drop in the ocean for a country with deep inequalities.
