CAPE TOWN – The Parly committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has strongly condemned the recent actions of Operation Dudula, a civic group accused of disrupting public services by targeting foreign nationals. Committee chairperson Makhi Feni issued a firm statement on Tuesday, urging the organisation to collaborate with government structures rather than pursuing what he described as a “crusade” of vigilante-style interventions.
Feni expressed grave concern over Operation Dudula’s interference at healthcare centres in Gauteng, where members of the movement have reportedly been blocking foreign nationals from accessing medical services. The actions, he said, are creating instability, threatening constitutional rights, and undermining the state’s efforts to manage immigration lawfully and humanely.
Parly Committee Calls for Lawful Engagement, Not Vigilantism
Speaking on behalf of the Parly committee, Feni said: “We understand that communities face real challenges, but these must be addressed through lawful and constructive means. Operation Dudula’s activities do not contribute to finding sustainable solutions; instead, they are counterproductive and risk inflaming social tensions.”
Parly Committee- He further stated that while it is within citizens’ rights to raise concerns, the Constitution must remain the guiding framework. Feni cautioned against groups or individuals taking the law into their own hands under the guise of patriotism or community service.
“People cannot adopt vigilante tactics when dealing with service delivery or immigration-related issues. These actions misrepresent the values of our democratic society and divert attention from ongoing government efforts,” said Feni.
The controversy stems from recent reports that Operation Dudula members have been staging demonstrations and physically blocking entry to public healthcare centres in communities such as Soweto, Tembisa, and Mamelodi. In several instances, they allegedly demanded that clinics deny access to undocumented migrants, particularly foreign nationals from neighbouring African countries.
Feni revealed that the Parly committee has been monitoring the situation closely and is engaging with both provincial health departments and law enforcement agencies to ensure the rule of law is maintained.
Adding to the concern, Operation Dudula recently announced its intention to extend similar disruptive tactics to schools when the 2026 academic year begins. The group claims it wants to prevent undocumented children from accessing public education—a move that Feni labelled “irresponsible” and potentially unconstitutional.
“These threats against schools show a troubling escalation,” said Feni. “We must remember that South Africa is a signatory to international conventions on children’s rights, and denying any child access to education—regardless of nationality—violates those agreements.”
While acknowledging public concerns about immigration and service strain, the Parly committee reiterated that only government institutions have the legal authority to manage migration and service allocation. Feni pointed to existing frameworks such as the Labour Migration Policy and the ongoing operations led by the Department of Home Affairs, which is actively deporting individuals found to be residing in the country illegally.
“Those calling for tighter immigration control must also recognise the systems already in place,” he said. “The Department of Home Affairs has the mandate to implement deportations and issue work permits. Interference from unregulated civic movements only complicates this work.”
Feni also cautioned that Operation Dudula’s tactics could have far-reaching diplomatic consequences. “Their actions not only risk internal unrest, but they could damage South Africa’s international reputation, especially in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region,” he warned.
The Parly committee is calling on civil society groups like Operation Dudula to engage in structured dialogues with local government bodies and community-based organisations. Feni stressed that inclusive, evidence-based discussions are the only viable way to address complex socio-economic issues such as migration, healthcare access, and educational resource allocation.
“We invite all stakeholders to come to the table. This includes residents, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and even groups like Operation Dudula—provided they are willing to act within legal and ethical boundaries,” he said.
The committee plans to convene a multi-stakeholder forum in the coming weeks to address the broader implications of immigration on service delivery, with a focus on finding collaborative, constitutional solutions that protect the dignity and rights of all people living in South Africa.
Source- EWN
