By Joe Udo
JOHANNESBURG (CONVERSEER) – Operation Dudula has sharply criticised former President Thabo Mbeki after he condemned the movement for blaming foreign nationals for South Africa’s socio-economic problems. In a strongly worded statement issued on 13 October 2025, the group told Mbeki to “step aside and enjoy his pension”, accusing his administration of enabling the surge of illegal immigration that continues to strain the nation.
The confrontation reignites long-standing debates on border security, xenophobia, and responsibility for South Africa’s deep-rooted challenges, including crime, unemployment, and overstretched public services.
Mbeki made the remarks during the 15th anniversary of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation on 12 October, where he expressed dismay over movements like Operation Dudula. “When I see things like Operation Dudula, it hurts,” he said. “We can’t position ourselves as though we’re enemies of the rest of Africa. It’s not right.”
The former president argued that South Africa’s problems stem from internal failures rather than migration, urging citizens to embrace unity and Pan-Africanism. His comments were consistent with his legacy as a leading voice of African Renaissance during his presidency from 1999 to 2008.
However, Operation Dudula dismissed Mbeki’s position as “dishonest and hypocritical”. Quoting his remarks directly, their statement began, “Dear Former President Thabo Mbeki, Operation Dudula is not ‘this thing’.” The group accused him of leaving behind “weak border controls” that allowed “an unchecked influx of foreigners”, contributing to rising crime, job losses, and strained public services.
“This crisis did not arise overnight. It is a direct consequence of weak border controls and a lack of decisive leadership during your tenure as president,” the statement read. Signed by leaders including Zandile Dabula, P. Dimba, Z. Booi, and S.L. Kekana, it called on Mbeki to pursue his “newly found hobby of photography” and allow younger generations to tackle what they described as “an invasion by illegal foreigners”.
Operation Dudula positioned itself as a community-rooted political movement determined to restore security and dignity through firm but compassionate immigration control. The organisation emerged in 2021 in Soweto, initially campaigning to prioritise South Africans in jobs, housing, and public services. The name “Dudula” means “push out” in Zulu, reflecting its stance against illegal immigration. Over time, it evolved into a political party, contesting elections and organising marches, business inspections, and campaigns targeting undocumented migrants and alleged illegal traders.
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Supporters view the group as defenders of national interests, while critics accuse it of promoting xenophobic vigilantism. The movement has faced legal challenges, including accusations of inciting violence, but maintains that it operates within the law by reporting illegal activities to authorities.
Mbeki’s supporters have rallied behind his call for unity, warning against scapegoating migrants. Online commentators praised his Pan-Africanist message, arguing that blaming foreigners distracts from corruption, mismanagement, and inequality. “Mbeki is right — anti-foreigner campaigns are a betrayal of African solidarity,” one post read.
Conversely, many South Africans sided with Operation Dudula, citing job competition, overstretched services, and crime linked to porous borders. Some referenced historical warnings, such as the late Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s 2003 appeal to Mbeki to secure borders, which went unheeded. Recent arrests of undocumented migrants in criminal cases have further fuelled calls for tougher enforcement.
Political figures have also weighed in. Some youth leaders echoed Dudula’s demands for stronger border control, while factions within the ANC’s youth structures aligned themselves with Mbeki’s broader Pan-Africanist vision. Media outlets have become part of the controversy, with Dudula accusing some platforms of “propaganda” and initiating legal action against publications they claim misrepresent their work.
South Africa hosts one of the continent’s largest migrant populations, with over two million documented immigrants and several million estimated to be undocumented. This has increased pressure on hospitals, schools, and jobs. While studies show most migrants contribute positively through labour and taxes, public frustration remains high, particularly in economically vulnerable communities.
Xenophobic violence has scarred the country before, most notably in 2008 when over 60 people were killed. Operation Dudula insists it targets illegal activity, not foreigners themselves, but human rights organisations have warned of rising tensions and the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric.
The clash between Mbeki and Operation Dudula highlights a generational and ideological divide in South Africa’s immigration debate. While older leaders emphasise continental unity and introspection, younger movements demand immediate action and accountability. With immigration pressures intensifying, calls for comprehensive policy reforms—ranging from improved visa systems to stronger anti-corruption measures—are growing louder.
