Operation Dudula Hits Back at ZANU-PF’s Criticism, SA Says Party Must Worry About Fixing Zimbabwe
- Operation Dudula's Zandile Dabula has hit back at allegations made by the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF)
- Dabula believes that the political party needed to focus on fixing its own country so that Zimbabweans would not be leaving and entering South Africa
- South Africans took to social media to show support for Operation Dudula and criticise ZANU-PF over its comments about the organisation
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Operation Dudula has hit back at what it calls unfounded allegations by the Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF).
In an exclusive interview with eNCA, ZANU–PF Director of Information Farai Marapira, took issue with the organisation for preventing medical care to foreign nationals in the country.
He also accused Operation Dudula of being used by former colonial masters to fight other Africans, saying that it was fighting for crumbs instead of owning the bakery.
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How did Operation Dudula respond?
Speaking about the allegations, Zandile Dabula clarified that the organisation was not anti-immigrants, but rather we are anti-illegal migrants in the country.
In an interview with eNCA on Sunday, 7 September 2025, she added that they were guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and immigration laws.
“We will not be dictated by foreigners on how to run our country. Zimbabweans feel that they are too entitled in our country,” she said.
In response to Marapira’s comments about the organisation fighting for crumbs instead of owning the bakeries, she said that was what they were trying to do by making sure illegal migrants went back to their homes and fixed their own countries.
Dabula concerned that SA could be the next Zimbabwe
Dabula added that they were concerned that South Africa would become the next Zimbabwe if organisations didn’t take a stand and protect what was meant for the citizens.
She also advised Zimbabweans to form their own Operation Dudula and fight ZANU-PF.
“ZANU-PF is a problem; hence Zimbabweans are running away from their own country,” she said.
Source: Getty Images
What you need to know about Operation Dudula and illegal migrants:
- In July 2025, Operation Dudula and March and March took to the streets against undocumented foreigners.
- Operation Dudula accused the SA Human Rights Commission of bias toward illegal immigrants.
- The Department of Health planned to meet with Operation Dudula to discuss its recent actions.
- Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi issued a warning to Operation Dudula members.
- Operation Dudula defended its campaign after some of its members were arrested and subsequently released.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users showed support for Operation Dudula, while criticising Marapira’s comments about the organisation.
Itumeleng Selepe said:
“They must not forget that our lady was denied medical assistance in Zimbabwe and was fetched by a helicopter to get treatment in SA.”
Aphiwe Daka stated:
“Framing this as anti-African is misleading, and it misses the point entirely. This isn't about ethnicity; it's about upholding our Constitution and respecting our laws. Every country does that. And no one should guilt-trip us for demanding that our laws be followed.”
Thibo Makama Hlaks added:
“ZANU-PF must just fix Zimbabwe and stop worrying about politics in South Africa. We are not a banana republic here, like what they did to Zimbabwe. Viva Operation Dudula viva✊🏽.”
Nikza Mofokeng agreed:
“ZANU-PF is delusional. Instead of taking care of Zimbabweans, they want to continue scavenging on South Africa’s limited resources.”
Glen Makhera Shakur stated:
“ZANU-PF is crazy. They are the ones causing the situation in Zimbabwe. Zim people are in South Africa because of ZANU-PF.”
Khethi Mhlaba said:
“The Zimbabwean government is running away from its responsibility and pushing the blame on Dudula. They must give the poor people of Zimbabwe free healthcare and jobs. These people are hard workers.”
Mbala Mbona added:
“I wish we could all be like Dudula. Love this country and fight for it.”
South African flown back to country for treatment from Zimbabwe
Dabula also noted that a South African national had to be airlifted back to the country after falling ill in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Briefly News reported in April about that case, in which Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, was present at the arrival of the individual.
At the time, South Africans questioned why so much effort was made for an ordinary South African citizen.
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Source: Briefly News
