Johannesburg – Members of Operation Dudula marched to the offices of two civil rights organisations on Thursday demanding answers on why they defend illegal foreign nationals over South African citizens.
Protests took place in both Johannesburg and Durban, with the movement delivering memoranda to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (Seri), whom they accuse of protecting undocumented migrants at the expense of locals.
In Johannesburg, the marchers were met by a large police presence separating them from counter-protesters. Dudula spokesperson Zandile Dabula said their protest sought clarity on why certain organisations appear to prioritise foreign nationals while local communities feel neglected.
Dabula claimed Seri and SAHRC often fail to investigate cases where foreign nationals are allegedly involved in harming South Africans, adding that the organisations should be more responsive to the needs of local communities.
According to Dabula, some of these groups receive funding from international donors, naming Open Society Foundations, Global Affairs Canada, Norwegian People’s Aid, and the Cameron Schrier Foundation among Seri’s supporters.
The SAHRC said it would review the memorandum before issuing a formal response.
Seri’s researcher, Thato Masiangoako, rejected Dudula’s allegations, saying the organisation offers free legal assistance to vulnerable groups, regardless of nationality. Masiangoako added that Seri has represented individuals harmed by Dudula members and has even assisted people who were referred by Dudula itself.
Equal rights groups supported Seri, with Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia describing Dudula’s actions as an attack on human dignity. Spokesperson Mike Ndlovu warned that Dudula’s activities threaten the principles of equality and freedom in South Africa.
Dabula denied accusations of xenophobia, stating their campaign focuses on illegality and not on national identity. She maintained that the movement is committed to defending the rights of South Africans against crime and economic marginalisation.
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