South Africa's education chairperson condemns Operation Dudula's vigilante actions

The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries, Makhi Feni, has condemned the actions of Operation Dudula.

Over recent months, Operation Dudula has gained notoriety by disrupting services at healthcare centres, barring entry to foreign nationals under the guise of protecting local resources.

Last week, the group escalated its rhetoric, announcing plans to extend its disruptions to schools as they prepare to open in 2026.

"Operation Dudula's actions have the potential to misrepresent our country and our democracy," stated Feni.

He underscored that South Africa is fundamentally a nation governed by the rule of law, and called for adherence to these principles amid rising tensions surrounding immigration.

Feni, addressing the organisation’s claims of safeguarding local interests, expressed his dismay: “The actions of Operation Dudula are objectionable and are an unnecessary distraction to the work government is doing around immigration challenges. People do not just come to South Africa out of free will but for refuge and from hunger.”

This statement highlights the often overlooked socio-economic factors driving immigration, reminding citizens of the human element behind the numbers.

In a bid to steer the conversation towards constructive solutions, Feni advised those involved with Operation Dudula to remember that governmental actions must remain within legislative frameworks and constitutional provisions.

"We cannot all adopt vigilante tactics when dealing with a challenge everyone accepts as massive and worthy of resolution," he asserted.

He indicated that efforts to address these concerns through legal avenues are well underway, citing proposed legislative amendments aimed at tackling the immigration challenge effectively.

Additionally, Feni pointed to developments in government initiatives, such as the establishment of the Border Management Agency in 2024, which aims to streamline the handling of border control issues.

On the employment front, he referenced the Labour Migration Policy as a proactive measure, and confirmed that the Department of Home Affairs is actively working to deport individuals found to be in the country illegally.

In an impassioned plea for unity, Feni urged Operation Dudula to redirect its efforts toward collaboration, stating, “We must enhance the work of government and not seek to persecute people in need of help and food.”

This call for a collaborative spirit reflects a desire for greater understanding and cooperation among various stakeholders, encouraging a dialogue focused on resolution rather than division.

IOL