ActionSA Leader urges Operation Dudula to work within the law

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has offered brotherly advice to Operation Dudula to rethink its approach to undocumented immigrants, saying that its tactics are dangerous.

Mashaba said he recently held a “productive” meeting with the group’s leaders to discuss immigration.

“I think their cause is justified. The only concern I have, and I stress this with them, is the manner in which they approach it,” he said in a sit-down interview with IOL News in Johannesburg this week. 

“Please, one day, imagine you are in government. Are you going to allow people to break the law just because they are unhappy with the government in a democratic space?”

Mashaba said while ActionSA shares some concerns about undocumented immigrants, he criticised the group’s methods.

“It’s a very, very dangerous precedent you are setting, so please reconsider. What they are fighting for is justified, but ActionSA wants to take the momentum through legal channels. We don’t want to take the law into our own hands,” he said.

Operation Dudula, known for its hardline stance on immigration, has blocked undocumented immigrants from accessing healthcare at public clinics and hospitals. 

The group argues that South Africa’s healthcare system is already overstretched.

It plans similar actions when schools reopen in 2026, prioritising South African children. 

Some critics have condemned the group’s actions as inhumane, while political analysts say Operation Dudula could gain support in next year’s local elections.

ActionSA, along with parties such as the Patriotic Alliance and IFP, has also been vocal on illegal migration

Mashaba said voters would decide which party succeeds, noting that ActionSA and Operation Dudula share similar sentiments on immigration.

“In my view, looking at our constitutional framework, let us be democrats. I lived 34 years under an oppressive system, so there’s no reason to restrict South Africans from forming political parties. The voters must decide,” he said.

Mashaba also outlined ActionSA’s stance on potential coalitions, which includes three non-negotiable conditions for working with other parties.

These include no corruption, provision of public services to all residents, and mass deportation of illegal foreigners.

“There’s just no way, as a political party in government, we are going to allow illegal foreigners in our cities. If you don’t agree, don’t invite us into your coalition,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Johannesburg High Court has recently issued a broad interdict against Operation Dudula, barring its members from harassing, intimidating, or obstructing foreign nationals. 

The ruling also prohibits hate speech, interference with access to healthcare or education, and evictions of migrants from homes, stalls, or workplaces.

Only immigration and police officers, acting under Section 41 of the Immigration Act, are authorised to request identity documents, the court ruled.

The judgment sets a dangerous precedent that may weaken law enforcement, erode state capacity to manage illegal immigration, and undermine the interests of South African citizens,” she said. 

Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula said they will appeal the ruling.

“We have instructed our legal team to launch an appeal to protect the interests of South Africans and the rule of law.”

She said the group will continue its operations targeting public health facilities and plans for schools next year.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics