Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
01 August 2025 | 08:30 CAT

📸Photo Credit: Daily Maverick

Operation Dudula is once again under fire following its December campaign that targets undocumented foreign nationals in public schools. The organisation claims to be defending South African learners, but critics warn the move may dangerously inflame xenophobia and undermine the Constitution’s protection of basic education for all children.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Islam, Zandile Dabula, president of Operation Dudula, explained the rationale behind the campaign: “We want South African children to be prioritized. We will not have a learner that will not be admitted at the school because of illegal foreigners.” Dabula argued that overcrowding in public schools is largely due to the admission of foreign learners, forcing local children to attend schools far from home.

Citing reports from educators, she added, “One teacher said to us that ‘I have 70 kids in my class. I can’t focus. There’s no quality work in that.’” Operation Dudula claims this campaign will ease classroom overcrowding and support unemployed South African teachers.

However, the campaign has sparked widespread concern. Legal experts and civil society groups have cautioned that such actions may breach the South African Constitution, which enshrines the right to basic education for “everyone,” regardless of nationality or documentation status. Critics argue that forcibly excluding undocumented children could violate both domestic law and international human rights obligations.

Dabula dismissed these claims, asserting: “The Constitution of South Africa covers South Africans. If you’re here illegally, then you’re not supposed to have a right.”

Operation Dudula’s failure to engage constructively with the Department of Basic Education has drawn criticism. “We’ve marched to various departments and we don’t get responses,” Dabula said, expressing frustration over what she sees as a lack of political will to resolve immigration issues.

Despite growing tensions, Dabula insisted the movement is patriotic, not xenophobic: “Let’s not call it just taking laws into our own hands. Let us rather call it patriotism.”

As the campaign gains momentum, human rights organisations warn of a “ticking time bomb” of social division, urging the government to intervene before the situation escalates further.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Shuaib Lasanya and Zandile Dabula.