Operation Dudula: From Anti-Migrant Movement to Political Party in South Africa
In recent years, a community clinic just north of Johannesburg has emerged as the epicenter of a heated debate in South Africa regarding the rights of migrants to access public health services. What began as a grassroots initiative in 2022 has evolved into a nationwide movement, spearheaded by the anti-migrant group Operation Dudula. Activists from this organization have begun picketing hospitals and clinics across the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, demanding to see identification before allowing individuals to enter. The term "Dudula," which means "to remove by force" in Zulu, reflects the group’s confrontational approach.
Despite some arrests, local authorities have struggled to suppress these protests. The latest focus of Operation Dudula’s campaign is Diepsloot, a township with over 200,000 residents located near Johannesburg’s economic hub. On a cool Thursday morning, Sicelokuhle Moyo, a Zimbabwean woman who has lived in South Africa since 2006, arrived at the clinic to collect her medication for a chronic condition. However, she was met with a new hurdle: two men in white T-shirts bearing the slogan "Operation Dudula – Mass Deportation" blocked her entry, demanding South African IDs.
"I showed them my passport, but they only accept IDs," Ms. Moyo recounted, her frustration masked by a polite smile. As she walked away, she joined a group of women anxiously waiting by the roadside, uncertain about their next steps.
Another woman, Tendai Musvava from Mozambique, shared a similar experience. "I don’t have an ID; I only have a passport, so I can’t get my medication," she lamented, dressed in a bright orange jumper and white hat. "It feels like they do what they want because it’s their country. I don’t have a choice."
According to official statistics, South Africa is home to approximately 2.4 million migrants, making up nearly 4% of the population. Many of these individuals come from neighboring countries like Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which have historically provided labor to South Africa. Unfortunately, xenophobia has been a persistent issue, often leading to violence against migrants, and anti-immigrant sentiment has become a significant political issue.
Initially a grassroots movement, Operation Dudula has transformed into a political party aiming to participate in the upcoming local government elections. Party leader Zandile Dabula defends their actions at public clinics, stating, "We want to prioritize South Africans. While we understand that emergency care is essential, illegal immigrants should be handed over to law enforcement."
Although the South African constitution guarantees the right to healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their nationality or immigration status, Ms. Dabula argues that the healthcare system is overstretched. "Some people have to wake up at 4 AM to secure their place in line. We simply can’t cater to the entire world," she said.
The deeply entrenched inequality in South Africa, combined with high unemployment and poverty rates, has led to resentment towards migrants, who often reside in impoverished areas. Operation Dudula’s tactics have garnered support from some residents in Diepsloot. One local, Sipho Mohale, praised the group’s efforts, saying, "The last time I was here, the queue was extremely long. This time, it only took me a few minutes to get what I needed."
However, South Africans are not immune to the consequences of Operation Dudula’s actions, as some have also faced exclusion for lacking proper identification—an issue that affects over 10% of the South African population.
The rise of Operation Dudula has elicited strong criticism from human rights advocates. Fatima Hassan, a lawyer with the Health Justice Initiative, expressed concern about the group’s authority to dictate who can access healthcare. "Having a non-state group making such decisions is deeply troubling," she stated, urging the government to take action before the situation escalates.
Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla emphasized that the government does not support targeting foreign nationals or anyone seeking medical help. "Health is a human right. We cannot organize services through intimidation," he asserted. Multiple political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Democratic Alliance, have denounced Operation Dudula’s methods.
Although a recent legal challenge by the South African Human Rights Commission against Operation Dudula failed, the group continues its campaign unabated. Many members have faced arrest for obstructing access to healthcare facilities, yet this has not deterred their activities.
As Operation Dudula’s influence grows, they are now setting their sights on public schools, framing their actions as part of a broader anti-immigration effort. Meanwhile, individuals like Tendai Musvava are left seeking alternatives for medical care. "I think I’ll have to visit a private doctor," she said, despite her financial constraints. "I’ll find a way to make it work."
This evolving situation highlights the complex dynamics surrounding migration, healthcare, and human rights in South Africa, making it a critical issue for the nation as it heads toward local elections.
