South Africa’s anti-immigrant movement, Operation Dudula, has escalated its campaign by physically blocking foreign nationals from accessing public healthcare facilities, arguing that overstretched medical resources must be reserved for South Africans. This has left many migrants without essential treatments, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights groups and government officials.
In Diepsloot, a township near Johannesburg, activists from Operation Dudula have been stationed at clinic entrances, checking identification documents and turning away anyone without a South African ID. For instance, Sicelokuhle Moyo, a Zimbabwean resident since 2006, was denied her chronic medication despite presenting a passport, while Tendai Musvava from Mozambique faced similar rejection, highlighting the direct impact on individuals’ health and well-being. The group’s methods have created a tense but resigned atmosphere, with those turned away often gathering nearby, uncertain of alternatives.
Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula justifies these actions by emphasizing the need to prioritize South Africans, citing limited resources in the public health system. She acknowledges that emergency care should not be denied but insists that illegal immigrants be handed over to authorities, even though many migrants are in the country legally. Dabula argues that the system cannot ‘cater for the whole globe,’ reflecting broader anti-immigrant sentiments in a nation where migrants are often blamed for economic struggles.
Some local residents have expressed support for the group’s presence, noting improvements in clinic efficiency. Sipho Mohale reported significantly shorter queues and quicker service, while Jennifer Shingange observed better medication availability since foreign nationals were blocked. This support underscores frustrations with South Africa’s unequal society, where high unemployment and poverty fuel resentment toward migrants, who make up about 4% of the population.
However, human rights advocates and government officials have strongly condemned Operation Dudula’s tactics. Fatima Hassan of the Health Justice Initiative described the picketing as ‘deeply problematic,’ warning that it undermines state authority and the rule of law. Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla reiterated that health is a human right and opposed any ‘bullying methods,’ emphasizing that the constitution guarantees healthcare access for everyone, regardless of nationality.
Legal and police responses have been inconsistent; several Operation Dudula members have been arrested for blocking health facilities but were released with warnings. A court challenge by the South African Human Rights Commission failed on a technicality, effectively allowing the campaign to continue. Police cite stretched resources that hinder timely interventions, while activists call for stronger action, including potential military involvement to restore order.
Operation Dudula, which means ‘to remove by force’ in Zulu, has evolved from a pressure group into a political party with ambitions to contest local elections. Its focus is now expanding to public schools as part of a broader anti-immigration drive, signaling a growing institutionalization of xenophobic vigilantism. This shift occurs amid a history of sporadic violence against foreigners in South Africa, where migrants from neighboring countries like Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have long provided labor.
The ongoing situation highlights deep-seated issues of inequality and xenophobia, with those affected, like Ms. Musvava, forced to seek expensive private healthcare despite meagre resources. As the state deliberates on responses, the standoff underscores the urgent need for policies that address public concerns without violating fundamental rights, balancing resource constraints with humanitarian obligations.