Tensions Rise as Operation Dudula Accuses Police of Heavy-Handedness During G20 Summit Protest

The leader of Operation Dudula, Zandile Dabula, has voiced strong disapproval of what she describes as excessive force used by the police during a heated protest outside the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, where the G20 Leaders’ Summit is currently being held. The protest, which drew several activist groups alongside Operation Dudula, aimed to spotlight pressing national concerns such as the immigration crisis, persistent unemployment, and deteriorating service delivery across the country.

According to Dabula, the collective of protesters had gathered to exercise their constitutional right to demonstrate and raise awareness about issues they believe government leaders have failed to address adequately. Operation Dudula, known for its firm stance on immigration and community-driven activism, was among the most visible groups at the demonstration.

Authorities had allocated a designated protest zone near the G20 venue to manage safety and ensure that the international summit could proceed without disruption. However, tensions rose when members of Operation Dudula and other participating groups attempted to move closer to the main entrance of the Nasrec Expo Centre. Their aim, they argued, was to increase visibility and ensure that international leaders were aware of the widespread public dissatisfaction brewing within South Africa.

Operation Dudula Protest Sparks Confrontation Near G20 Venue

Police swiftly intervened, deploying tear gas and pepper spray to keep demonstrators confined to the approved area. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as protesters scattered to avoid the fumes, while some clashed verbally with officers who insisted on maintaining tight security around the event. Several protesters were arrested during the standoff, deepening frustrations among the demonstrators, who accused the police of unnecessary aggression.

Speaking shortly after the confrontation, Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula criticised law enforcement for what she characterised as a disproportionate and unjustified reaction. According to Dabula, the heavy-handed response stands in stark contrast to what she believes is a more lenient approach taken toward criminals operating in communities.

“The sad thing is that the force that they are showing to us as South Africans, they can’t show it to criminals,” Dabula said. “That’s why we have the Madlanga commission. When they are supposed to do the right thing to the criminals, they don’t do it.”

Her remarks reflect the broader sentiment within Operation Dudula, whose members frequently accuse authorities of failing to tackle issues such as crime, illegal immigration, and service delivery failures with urgency. Instead, Dabula argues, the police appear more willing to use force against citizens who are simply calling for accountability.

The demonstration brought together a diverse mix of groups, all of whom rallied around overlapping frustrations:

• Immigration Crisis: Operation Dudula has long argued that illegal immigration contributes to strained resources, unemployment, and crime. Their supporters insist that the state’s failure to enforce immigration laws has created tension in communities nationwide.

• Poor Service Delivery: From failing water systems to inconsistent electricity supply and deteriorating municipal infrastructure, many protesters said they were exhausted by years of unfulfilled promises.

• High Unemployment: With youth unemployment at staggering levels, demonstrators demanded urgent economic reforms and job creation strategies. They argued that government leaders attending the G20 Summit should prioritise local economic challenges rather than global diplomatic engagements.

These combined factors fuelled the intensity of the protest, with many believing that gathering near the G20 Summit provided a rare opportunity to attract international attention to South Africa’s internal struggles.

Police officials justified their response by stating that the protesters attempted to breach a controlled zone, which posed a potential security risk during a high-profile global summit. With dozens of international leaders and delegates attending the event, security protocols were stringent and strictly enforced.

Law enforcement maintained that protesters were welcome to demonstrate within the allocated zone, but any attempts to move beyond it were considered unlawful and potentially dangerous. The use of tear gas and pepper spray, they argued, was deployed only after warnings were ignored.

Despite the clash, Dabula made it clear that Operation Dudula has no intention of backing down. She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continuing its demonstrations until the government addresses the issues they deem critical to South Africa’s future stability.

“We are not stopping,” Dabula said. “No matter the force used against us, our message remains the same. We want accountability, we want safety in our communities, and we want real action.”

As the G20 Summit continues, the tensions between activists and authorities are expected to remain high, underscoring the widening divide between citizens demanding change and a government struggling to balance international diplomacy with domestic discontent.

Source- EWN