Operation Dudula, formed in 2021 by Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini, is an interest group turned political party.
It contested the 2024 elections but did not win any seats.
Operation Dudula is widely regarded as xenophobic and afrophobic, and is well known for its gatekeeping at health facilities initially in Gauteng. Its activities are now spilling over into other provinces.
Operation Dudula’s modus operandi at these facilities includes demanding those wishing to use them to produce identity documents or permits.
In the event that the person’s documentation is not satisfactory, Dudula operatives refuse to grant access to the hospital or clinic.
The right of everyone to access to healthcare is entrenched within section 27 of the South African Constitution.
The right to be equal before the law is contained in section 9.
Of course, a right in the Bill of Rights can be limited by a law of general application at section 36 of this instrument, such as the National Health Act.
Vigilante acts seeking to discriminate against groups such as foreign nationals by violating their right to access healthcare, however, are not a limited justification.
This places Operation Dudula squarely foul of the supreme law of the land.
People who have been turned away include pregnant women, elderly people, and young children.
This is despite policy, specifically in Gauteng, which makes it compulsory for healthcare facilities to provide treatment to all pregnant and lactating women, and to children under the age of six years.
Persons turned away also include those with severe chronic illnesses.
In addition, it has been reported that people with South African ID cards have been turned away because they were not born in this country.
While the South African government has denounced the activities of Operation Dudula, this has not done much to curtail its ongoing activities.
Unfortunately, we live in a society where xenophobia is rampant and entities such as Operation Dudula are met with approval, even by healthcare providers.
South African nationals often complain that they should not have to foot the tax bill for foreign nationals to access healthcare and other basic services.
Since migrants constitute a relatively small portion of the population, and must generally pay for their medical treatment at secondary and tertiary levels in any case, this is a red herring.
There is certainly no reason to condone vigilantism against people such as refugees and asylum seekers who have no choice but to reside within the Republic, or against those who have obtained permanent residency or citizenship, but who hail from a different state.
This does not mean that nothing has been done.
The primary interest group existing to combat groups such as Operation Dudula is Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX).
This group is:
“A broad, inclusive coalition dedicated to ending xenophobia and building unity among all who live in South Africa, regardless of origin. [They] are committed to a South Africa—and a continent—where every person can live in dignity, free from violence, discrimination, and exclusion.
“KAAX was born out of a critical need to confront rising xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa. [They] actively challenge hate speech, discriminatory policies, and violent actions directed at migrants and refugees—whether in the streets, online, or in government. [They] advocate for laws and policies that protect human rights and ensure justice for those affected by xenophobic violence.”
This group has taken great strides in building a broad membership base, galvanising the media about what is happening on the ground and, importantly, fighting back against Operation Dudula, condemning its practices of intimidating healthcare users and gatekeeping of services.
KAAX have also launched a court application against Operation Dudula.
Targeting sick people is an incredibly severe kind of xenophobia.
Inability to access healthcare can, quite literally, lead to loss of life.
We should live in a society where organisations such as Operation Dudula cannot exist.
The Bill of Rights and enabling legislation provide for this.
It is wrong to disregard this, and the repercussions can be tragic.
Let us cast off xenophobia and build an inclusive and tolerant society.
[Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/janahphoto/4813216834]
The views of the writer are not necessarily the views of the Daily Friend or the IRR.
If you like what you have just read, support the Daily Friend