'We will protect South Africans' - Operation Dudula vows to challenge court ruling

Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula says the movement will appeal a Johannesburg High Court ruling that bars it from preventing foreign nationals from accessing public healthcare facilities.

The controversial group argues that public clinics and hospitals are overwhelmed by the influx of undocumented foreign nationals.

Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, Dabula urged members to comply with the court order for now.

“The judgment sets a dangerous precedent that may weaken law enforcement, erode state capacity to manage illegal immigration, and undermine the interests of South African citizens,” she said.

“We have instructed our legal team to launch an appeal to protect the interests of South Africans and the rule of law.”

Dabula said her party had noticed more political parties adopting hardline stances on undocumented immigrants. 

She said the anti-migrant movement, which has since become a political party, had long been isolated in its stance but now sees others following suit.

“Operation Dudula is five years old this year, and nobody wanted to associate with us, especially other political parties,” she said. 

“We were the only party vocal about immigration issues. Yes, ActionSA and partly the Patriotic Alliance (PA) spoke out, but now more parties are joining this fight.”

The comments came after the Johannesburg High Court granted a broad interdict against Operation Dudula, barring its members from harassing, intimidating or obstructing foreign nationals.

The order, issued under case number 2023-044685, also prohibits the group from making hate speech, interfering with access to healthcare or education, or evicting migrants from homes, stalls or workplaces. 

The court ruled that only immigration and police officers, acting under section 41 of the Immigration Act, are authorised to request identity documents - not private individuals or groups.

Dabula criticised the judgment, saying it effectively sought to “shut down” Operation Dudula.

“Everything mentioned in that judgment is what we tackle daily,” she said. 

“It gives foreigners an upper hand to continue trading. From what I know, informal trading is reserved for South Africans - so why allow foreigners to apply?”

She also accused the ANC of hypocrisy, saying it had ignored immigration concerns when in power but was now “becoming more vocal” as public pressure grew.

“Illegal immigration is going to be the end of us if we don’t tackle it early,” she said. “The ANC closed its doors when we raised this before.”

IOL News previously reported that political analysts believe several parties are tapping into the growing anti-migrant sentiment ahead of the 2026 local elections.

This follows remarks by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who said the ANC-led provincial government would demolish informal settlements occupied by undocumented foreign nationals. 

Lesufi said the demolitions would take place at around 2 a.m, but did not specify a date.

Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast previously said the ANC’s rhetoric could be linked to its declining support and the rise of movements such as Operation Dudula.

Meanwhile, Dabula suggested that the court’s timing and the City of Johannesburg’s recent clean-up operations could be linked to the upcoming G20 summit, set for November 22 to 23.

“At the end of the day, Operation Dudula was born to make sure that our cities are clean. If it’s happening because we want to keep our cities clean, we are happy,” she said. 

“But let it not be for the wrong reasons or just for show. Let it be because we want to clean and make sure that we are safe in and around our cities.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News