Operation Dudula Defends Campaign After Soweto Clinic Occupation and Arrested Members' Release

• Operation Dudula members returned to Lilian Ngoyi Clinic in Diepkloof Soweto, on 11 August 2025, to remove undocumented foreign nationals
• This was after three of their members were arrested for trying to remove a pregnant woman from the clinic
• Dudula spoke to Briefly News and maintained that their members were wrongfully arrested and promised legal action

Tebogo Mokwena, a dedicated Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of international and local social issues, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa, during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

SOWETO, JOHANNESBURG — Operation Dudula has maintained that it will continue removing undocumented foreign nationals from clinics after the arrest of its members outside of the Lilian Ngoyi Clinic on 7 August 2025.

Operation Dudula returned to Lilian Ngoyi Clinic on 11 August after the members appeared before the Protea Magistrates Court on charges of public violence and contravening the National Health Act, among others. Speaking to Briefly News, Dudula spokesperson Sifiso Manyala said that Operation Dudula returned to the clinic to protect citizens' rights to access healthcare services without competition from undocumented migrants who unlawfully occupy public facilities.

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"Our operation aims to restore order and ensure that government services are prioritised for rightful citizens. Upon our return, we conducted lawful activities focused on identifying and addressing illegal occupancy within the clinic," Manyala said.

How has government responded to Operation Dudula?

Manyala said that the government's response to its operation has been mixed. He said some government officials support the mission on the condition that Dudula adhere to the relevant laws and regulations. He said that others have expressed opposition largely due to concerns about international perceptions and diplomatic consequences.

"Despite these challenges, Operation Dudula remains committed to peaceful protest and lawful action. We will continue to firmly uphold the rights of South African citizens. Unfortunately, some members of the police service have hindered our efforts by protecting illegal foreigners rather than enforcing the law impartially," he added.

Manyala called on all law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties fairly and to support lawful measures that restore order and protect the interests of communities.

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Operation Dudula to take legal action after members arrested for anti-migrant campaign released

A look at migration in South Africa

Professor Loren Landau, a migration expert from Wits University, weighed in on Operation Dudula's campaign to remove foreign nationals from public healthcare facilities

• Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi commented on undocumented foreign nationals burdening the healthcare system and said that the government failed to address the crisis adequately
• The Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said healthcare in South Africa is based on clinical needs and not citizenship in response to Dudula's operations

Health Department to meet with Dudula

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Operation Dudula is expected to meet with the National Department of Health to discuss a solution to the issue of undocumented migrants using public healthcare facilities. This was after three of their members were arrested.

The department's spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said that the Department hopes that a sober approach to the crisis would result in a solution that could bring an end to Dudula's protest action.

Source: Briefly News