Latest news with #ZandileDabula
eNCA
4 days ago
- Politics
- eNCA
The Constitution's preamble on foreigners is misinterpreted
JOHANNESBURG - Operation Dudula's clean-up in the Gauteng province continues, on Saturday the organisation raided hijacked buildings in Rosettenville, in the south of Johannesburg. The group forcibly removed undocumented foreign nationals who were occupying these buildings illegally. Operation Dudula denies having xenophobic motives, and says its actions are meant to stamp out crime and criminality. In the past weeks, the movement and other affiliated groups blocked the access of foreign migrants to hospitals and clinics in Gauteng and other provinces. These acts have led to intense clashes between these groups and foreigners in which police had to intervene and defuse the situation. Operation Dudula's President, Zandile Dabula says the country's preamble on foreigners is misinterpreted. She says South Africa is for South Africans and can only accommodate legal and documented foreigners.
The South African
4 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Zandile Dabula: 'I don't know why Zimbabweans think they're special'
Operation Dudula president Zandile Dabula has once again sparked controversy, this time claiming that Zimbabweans 'think they are special' and are too quick to take offense when South Africans speak out against illegal immigration. Speaking on the King David Studio Podcast , Dabula accused Zimbabweans of feeling entitled to remain in the country, legally or otherwise. 'I don't know why Zimbabweans think they are special,' Dabula said. 'Every time when you talk of foreigners, they are the first ones to respond. Immediately, when you talk of illegal immigrants, the first response you will get, even on a social media platform, is a Zimbabwean. They feel so entitled that they are supposed to be here.' As the leader of Operation Dudula, Dabula fronts a movement that openly campaigns against undocumented immigrants. While many South Africans support their message, critics have repeatedly accused the group of pushing a xenophobic agenda, something its leaders firmly deny. During the podcast, Dabula and her colleague Ayanda Ndlovu admitted that crime has no nationality, but argued that foreign nationals now dominate South Africa's crime landscape. In their words, since illegal immigrants flocked in, the crime has escalated. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Operation Dudula submits memorandum to SAHRC over 'deprioritisation of migrant rights'
JOHANNESBURG - Operation Dudula submitted a memorandum to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Thursday afternoon, calling for what they've termed the de-prioritisation of migrant rights. The group has taken to the streets on Thursday, and attempted to submit their memorandum at the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) in Braamfontein earlier but were unsuccessful. The group's plans were quickly interrupted when they were met with a counter-protest by housing rights group, Abahlali Basemjondolo. Operation Dudula called for the immediate deportation of undocumented foreigners. This comes after weeks of protesting by the group denying healthcare access to foreign nationals. Operation Dudula president, Zandile Dabula, addressed the crowd, saying: "This is a clear demonstration that the police are on the side of foreigners. I hope South Africans can see today that these are foreigners, they should be calling immigration services and arrest them." The police remained in Braamfontein while others accompanied Operation Dudula to Parktown.
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Operation Dudula wanting to know why organisations prioritise foreign nationals
Operation Dudula have questioned the intentions of non-profit organisations and civil rights groups defending illegal migrants. Operation Dudula are taking their illegal migration fight to the steps of organisations they deem to be sympathetic to foreign nationals. The pro-South African movement marched through Johannesburg and Durban on Thursday to deliver memoranda to two organisations. Operation Dudula consider the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (Seri) to be the leading protectors of illegal foreign migrants. Alleged foreign preference A wall of police officers was required to separate Operation Dudula protestors and counter-protesters in Johannesburg on Thursday. Operation Dudula were on their way to Seri's offices, whom they accuse of using litigation to defend the interests of foreign nationals in contravention of South African law. Operation Dudula spokesperson Zandile Dabula stated that the marches are aimed at asking why these organisations prioritise foreign nationals over South Africans. Dabula stated that the organisation wanted Seri and SAHRC not to side with foreign nationals blindly, but to treat South African complaints with legitimacy. 'They should also go out to communities to find out what the real issues are. They are not really looking into matters that are affecting citizens of this country,' Dabula told The Citizen. 'We do know they are being funded by non-South Africans, but their role is to advocate for South Africans,' she added. Seri's funders include, among others, Open Society Foundations, Global Affairs Canada, Norweigan People's Aid and San-Francisco-based Cameron Schrier Foundation. 'Dudula a threat' The SAHRC told The Citizen that they would study Operation Dudula's memorandum before commenting, and Seri representatives referred questions to their head of litigation, who had not responded by the time of publication. Equal rights groups that receive legal support from Seri released a joint statement in solidarity with their fight against discrimination. 'Xenophobia is not only driven by fear and prejudice, it is a direct assault on human dignity and the universal rights enshrined in our Constitution,' stated Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia spokesperson Mike Ndlovu. He described Operation Dudula's actions as 'intimidation', stating that they will remain resolute in defence of human rights. 'Operation Dudula is a threat, not only to migrants, but to all who believe in freedom, equality, and constitutionalism.' 'Its actions rely on and reinforce a system of violence, exclusion, and scapegoating reminiscent of apartheid,' conclude Ndlovu. 'Not xenophobic' Dabula reiterated that these organisations were not responding to complaints about foreign nationals victimising South Africans. 'Do they even have the country's best interests at heart, or do they just want to see this country go down the drain?' she asked. Dabula also wanted organisations to stop labelling Operation Dudula xenophobic and inhumane, stressing that they did not target individuals or nationalities. 'We are just against the illegality and how they conduct themselves when they come here because our buildings have been taken over and our children are dying,' she said. 'We are not against our brothers and sisters, but we have a problem with illegality and criminality. We just want what is best for South Africans, and we will not stop,' Dabula concluded. NOW READ: NGOs say foreigners in SA told to return to their countries when opening cases against Operation Dudula
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Operation Dudula's campaign against immigrants raises healthcare access concerns
In a controversial move that has sparked outrage and concern, the Operation Dudula Movement, led by Zandile Dabula, is intensifying its campaign against undocumented foreign nationals across South Africa. Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers With scores of undocumented foreign nationals currently being turned away at Addington Hospital in Durban and other health facilities in parts of the country this week, the leader of the Operation Dudula Movement, Zandile Dabula, has vowed to continue the movement's anti-foreigner healthcare campaign across the country. Eric Jean Butoki, who represents the Southern Africa Refugee Organisations Forum (SAROF), slammed the countrywide campaign, saying it is putting the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, and foreign nationals at risk. This comes as more than 50 patients, believed to be undocumented foreign nationals, have allegedly been turned away at Durban's biggest hospital since the start of the campaign outside Addington Hospital on Tuesday. "We are concerned about this operation, which has prevented foreign nationals, including asylum seekers and genuine refugees, from accessing medical help. Some of these people are on chronic medication and have made appointments to be treated on the scheduled dates. For us, we are disappointed by this Operation Dudula-sponsored campaign. As a result, Butoki has called on the government to establish permanent refugee camps to help resolve the matter. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In various videos circulated on social media over the past week, scores of immigrants seeking medical attention have been turned away, resulting in the South African Human Rights Commission issuing a statement stating that the South African Constitution allows foreigners, including asylum seekers and refugees, the same rights to healthcare as South African citizens. "The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) reminds the public and all relevant stakeholders that the right to access to healthcare services in South Africa is a universal right afforded to anyone within the Republic of South Africa," the commission said. Citing Section 27 (1) of the SA Constitution 1996, the commission indicated that South Africa has a provision to give healthcare access to South African citizens, refugees and asylum seekers, documented and undocumented foreign nationals, including stateless persons. "The Constitution does not qualify or limit this right based on immigration status or citizenship. Furthermore, under Section 27(3), no one may be refused emergency medical treatment. This provision ensures that emergency healthcare must be provided unconditionally by both the public and the private healthcare facilities," it said. Responding to this statement, Dabula said: "We will not be bullied by the likes of the SAHRC, because firstly, they are advocating for people who are in this country illegally. When you come to this country, you must be properly documented, and if you are documented, then you need to have certain permits. For those who are here to work, they must have a work permit, and those permits must come together with medical insurance, but they do not do that. Even Section 17 of the Constitution says that." As a result, Dabula said South Africa cannot be expected to shoulder immigrants who do not have respect for the country's laws, which is why the ongoing campaign will be intensified. "We have always said life comes first, and we will not turn away someone we can see that they require emergency medical care and might lose their lives in the process. However, what needs to happen is that they need to be arrested for being here in this country, illegally, then they can access treatment," she added. ActionSA has also weighed in on the ongoing campaign, saying the SAHRC statement is promoting the abuse of South Africa's resources through the misapplication of Section 27 of the Constitution, which is why the party has recently called for the amendment of the Constitution. Reacting to the stand-off between Operation Dudula and the SAHRC, Dr Shadi Ganoe from the Wits School of Law, indicated that while students and other migrants are required to provide their medical care insurance, the Constitution insists that no one should be refused healthcare based on their citizenship. "For example, in terms of the Immigration Amendment Act 19 of 2004, any prospective international student must have medical cover with a medical scheme registered under the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998. This ensures that foreign students do not rely on public health services and can access private care. "This requirement is part of the visa process and is strictly enforced. This makes foreign students and other documented long-term visa holders easy to track and regulate health care costs. They are expected to carry the burden of their own medical needs, unlike undocumented persons or asylum seekers, who may have no formal coverage at all. Still, South Africa's Constitution remains firm: Section 27(3) says, 'No one may be refused emergency medical treatment.' This applies to everyone, citizen or not, documented or not," she said.
