Title: Operation Dudula: South Africa’s Infamous Anti-Migrant Group Gaining Ground
Subtitle: BBC Africa Eye sheds light on the rise of Operation Dudula, a vigilante group targeting businesses owned by foreign nationals.
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: Johannesburg & London
Byline: By Ayanda Charlie in Johannesburg & Tamasin Ford in London
Operation Dudula, a street movement notorious for its anti-migrant stance, has gained notoriety for its relentless raids on businesses owned by foreign nationals in South Africa. BBC Africa Eye recently obtained rare access to members of this controversial group, exposing the deep-seated fear and anger that fuels their actions.
In a school kitchen in Kwa Thema, a township in Johannesburg, Dimakatso Makoena, a single parent of three, fumes with frustration as she prepares sandwiches. Makoena blames foreign nationals for her son’s drug addiction, which has left him emaciated and scarred. She harbors a deep hatred towards foreigners and sees Operation Dudula as her only source of hope.
Operation Dudula, which means “to force out” in Zulu, was established in Soweto two years ago and is the first group to formalize sporadic xenophobia-fueled attacks in South Africa. This civic movement has now transformed into a national political party, with the aim of contesting the upcoming general elections. Their message is clear: migrants are the root cause of South Africa’s economic hardships.
Soweto, a historically significant township, has now become the stronghold of Operation Dudula. With one in three South Africans unemployed and living in one of the most unequal societies in the world, foreigners have become easy targets. However, the number of migrants living in South Africa has been exaggerated. According to a 2022 report by the Institute for Security Studies, migrants account for 6.5% of the population, in line with international norms.
Operation Dudula’s claims that migrants are responsible for the influx of drugs in deprived communities lack evidence. The group often conducts raids on migrant homes and workplaces without concrete evidence, suspecting them of drug dealing or overstaying their visas. Panicked by the drug problems, some members of Operation Dudula long for the “old South Africa” and blame foreigners, particularly Bangladeshis, Somalis, and Ethiopians, for taking over local businesses.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned vigilante groups like Operation Dudula for harassing and attacking migrants, comparing their behavior to the oppressive tactics used during apartheid. Critics argue that Operation Dudula is nothing more than a band of violent vigilantes promoting hatred and violence against migrants.
Annie Michaels, an activist from the Johannesburg Migrants Advisory Panel, challenges South Africans to redirect their frustrations towards a failing government rather than blaming migrants. She emphasizes that migrants are themselves some of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals in society and deserve understanding and support.
Despite the controversy surrounding Operation Dudula, the group held its first national conference in Johannesburg in May, where they voted to register as a political party. With militaristic attire, songs containing threatening messages, and a display of readiness for battle, Operation Dudula aims to make history. However, concerns remain about the group’s commitment to nonviolence and their impact on South Africa’s social fabric.
As the debate surrounding Operation Dudula intensifies, it is clear that the issue of xenophobia in South Africa requires urgent attention. The government, civil society organizations, and the general public must find ways to address the underlying issues of inequality and unemployment, rather than scapegoating migrants for the country’s challenges.