Operation Dudula's Healthcare Blockade: A Divide in South Africa

Sat Oct 18 2025 17:09:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a growing anti-migrant movement, Operation Dudula has begun blocking foreigners from accessing public healthcare in South Africa, raising questions about human rights and health policy amidst rising xenophobia.

Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant group in South Africa, has escalated its activities by obstructing foreigners from accessing public health facilities. The group argues for the prioritization of South Africans in healthcare services, amidst fears of resource scarcity. While some locals support the movement, many migrants and even South Africans without proper ID are being turned away, intensifying the divide and raising human rights concerns.

Operation Dudula's Healthcare Blockade: A Divide in South Africa

A community clinic just north of Johannesburg has become the frontline of a battle in South Africa over whether foreigners can access public health facilities. The anti-migrant group, Operation Dudula, has spread its reach by picketing hospitals and clinics in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, checking identity cards and barring entry to non-South Africans.

'Dudula' means to remove something by force in the Zulu language.

Despite some arrests, the authorities seem unable to prevent the pickets.

The latest campaign is situated in Diepsloot, a township of over 200,000 people, where individuals like Sicelokuhle Moyo, a Zimbabwean resident, struggle to access necessary medication.

At the clinic, two men wearing white T-shirts branded with Operation Dudula – Mass Deportation ask for identification. Moyo, who possesses a passport, finds herself turned away as the group only accepts South African IDs. Similarly, Tendai Musvava, from Mozambique, similarly faces barriers to her medication.

Operation Dudula claims that the South African healthcare system is overburdened and insists that its actions aim to prioritize South Africans in need of medical care. Led by Zandile Dabula, the party has transformed from grassroots activism to a political entity. Dabula argues that resources should not be expended on those who are illegally in the country; however, critics assert that the current policies violate the constitution guaranteeing healthcare access to all.

Furthermore, some locals express approval of the attention brought to healthcare issues by Operation Dudula. South African resident Sipho Mohale noted that queues have become shorter since foreign nationals have been deterred from visiting the clinic.

Yet, many South Africans themselves are affected. An estimated 10% of South Africans lack the necessary documentation to access services, often rendering them victims of the very campaigns meant to protect their interests.

Fatima Hassan, a human rights lawyer, argues that the actions of Operation Dudula create a dangerous precedent, undermining legal frameworks and sparking potential conflict.

Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla condemned these actions, emphasizing that healthcare is a human right. Despite the stance of the authorities and opposition from various political parties, Operation Dudula continues its campaign, now expanding its focus to public schools as part of its agenda against illegal immigration.

Ultimately, amidst growing tensions, the most vulnerable remain disadvantaged, struggling to find necessary medical support while navigating a volatile socio-political landscape.