Parly committee makes request for Operation Dudula to work with govt

CAPE TOWN - Chairperson of the select committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called on Operation Dudula to collaborate with the government and not “persecute” people needing help.

Makhi Feni said Operation Dudula has been on what he calls a “crusade” over the past few months to disrupt services at many healthcare centres in Gauteng communities by refusing entry to foreign nationals.

He added that people can’t adopt vigilante tactics when dealing with challenges facing local communities and should rather work with the government.

Feni also condemned the actions of Operation Dudula, calling it an “unnecessary distraction” to the work the government is doing around immigration.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Feni said Operation Dudula announced last week that similar disruptions will target schools when they open in 2026. 

He said Operation Dudula’s actions “have a potential to misrepresent the country and our democracy”.

Feni advised members of Operation Dudula to remember that the government must act within the provisions of the law and the Constitution.

He said under the Labour Migration Policy, the Department of  Home Affairs is deporting immigrants who have been found to have been in the country illegally.