An organization in South Africa that has taken a strong stance against migrants has now transitioned into a political party and intends to participate in the upcoming general elections in the country.
Operation Dudula, which means “to force out” in Zulu, initially emerged in Johannesburg’s Soweto township following riots in 2021. Their primary objective is the deportation of all undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa.
The party claims to have garnered significant support, with a formal presence in seven of South Africa’s nine provinces. It is reportedly planning to field candidates in 1,500 of the country’s 4,468 voting districts.
However, Operation Dudula has faced numerous allegations of hate speech and physical violence. They have conducted protests outside embassies, blocked access to hospitals to prevent foreign nationals from accessing state medical services, and even conducted door-to-door searches of businesses in impoverished areas, demanding to see identity documents.
In August, Philani Gumede, a 36-year-old from Durban, was convicted of hate speech for inciting followers to evict foreigners from businesses in the city. This call to action resulted in xenophobic attacks and looting, as confirmed by regional court prosecutor Nomalungelo Ntshangase.
Furthermore, in 2022, Operation Dudula followers prevented people, including pregnant women, from entering Kalafong hospital in Atteridgeville, a suburb of Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. These actions disrupted access to critical medical care for those in need.
Civil society groups have taken legal action against the party for unlawful evictions and unauthorized citizenship checks in public areas. However, a court date for these cases has yet to be set.
Isaac Lesole, spokesperson for the Operation Dudula party, has indicated that the transition from a civil movement to a political party would involve a change in tactics. He stated that they aim to “demilitarize” Operation Dudula, moving away from militant actions. However, the core ideology of considering illegal immigrants as criminals and advocating for their deportation remains unchanged.
It is important to note that South Africa’s constitution, often hailed as one of the most progressive globally, confers limited rights upon all individuals within the country’s borders, irrespective of nationality or place of birth. Thus, there is no legal concept of an “illegal foreigner” in South Africa.
Operation Dudula’s emergence can be traced back to the riots that swept across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces in June 2021. In the absence of effective policing, some citizens formed groups to protect shops and businesses from looting. These organizations eventually expanded their activities beyond anti-looting efforts, operating under the guise of “anti-crime.”
The chronic failures of the South African state, marked by corruption, unemployment, and violence, have provided fertile ground for Operation Dudula’s growth. Frustrated with the government’s inability to address these issues, some South Africans have sought alternative scapegoats, often targeting migrants who come in search of better opportunities.
While Operation Dudula is not expected to secure majorities in the upcoming elections, South Africa’s fragmented political landscape allows small parties to influence coalition governments and demand concessions in return. This phenomenon has been observed with the current mayor of Johannesburg, who hails from a fringe Islamist party, Al Jama’ah, which won just one of the city’s 135 wards.
Established political parties in South Africa have struggled to respond to Operation Dudula’s rise, leading to seemingly contradictory messages. President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized the organization as a “vigilante-like force” engaging in “illegal actions” against foreigners. However, the ruling African National Congress (ANC), facing declining support due to corruption scandals, inequality, unemployment, and crime, has also adopted rhetoric resembling that of Operation Dudula to appeal to voters.
While some political leaders have condemned xenophobia, others have endorsed anti-immigrant sentiments, illustrating the politically expedient nature of such attitudes in South Africa. Amid rising crime rates and economic challenges, many foreigners are choosing to return home or seek refuge in more hospitable countries.
Amir Sheikh, spokesperson for the African Diaspora Forum, emphasizes that Operation Dudula is not the only party with right-wing or anti-immigrant positions in South Africa. Even the ruling ANC has shifted towards right-wing rhetoric, further complicating the issue of immigration in the country.
In conclusion, the emergence of Operation Dudula as a political party reflects the complex challenges faced by South Africa, including corruption, unemployment, and violence. While it remains uncertain how much influence the party will have in the upcoming elections, its rise underscores the need for a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing immigration issues in the country.
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