Dudula Cracks Down on Foreign Pupils, Sparks School Showdown

JOHANNESBURG – Anti-immigrant vigilantes under the banner of Operation Dudula have launched a controversial campaign to remove undocumented children from South African public schools, starting in Soweto.

The group, known for its hardline stance against foreign nationals, delivered letters to school principals this week demanding that pupils without legal documentation be barred from enrolling for the 2026 academic year.

The campaign marks a sharp escalation in Operation Dudula’s efforts to block foreign nationals from accessing public services.

After targeting healthcare facilities earlier this year, the group now claims schools are unlawfully admitting undocumented learners — a move that has sparked alarm among education officials and civil society groups.

Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula said the initiative is focused on enforcing compliance with the Basic Education Amendment Act 32 of 2004.

“We are here to remind principals, more especially about the Basic Education Amendment Act… that when they admit foreigners in their schools, they need to make sure there’s proper documentation, due to a passport, study visa or permanent residency.

“No South African child will be deprived of education in favour of illegal foreigners,” she said.

During the launch in Soweto, Dabula faced public accusations that she herself is Zimbabwean — a claim she strongly denied.

“I’m a bona fide citizen of this country. I was born and bred in Diepkloof in Soweto and not in Zimbabwe,” she told reporters.

Dabula alleged the rumours were part of a smear campaign aimed at discrediting her leadership.

She confirmed that Soweto is the first of 11 schools the group plans to visit, beginning in Ward 29, where Operation Dudula is contesting a by-election.

“This is just the start of it. This is the first one. We are going to use it as an example to show that this is doable,” Dabula said.

The Gauteng Department of Education has condemned the campaign, warning against interference in school operations.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said admissions follow strict criteria based on location and sibling enrollment.

“Pupils are admitted based on the admissions criteria, in the following order of priority: home address within the school’s feeder zone, sibling(s) already enrolled at the school or previous school attended, work address within the school’s feeder zone, home address within a 30km radius of the school, and home address beyond a 30km radius,” Mabona explained.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube condemned the campaign and warned that any attempt to interfere with school operations would not be tolerated.

She stated that those responsible would be held accountable.

“They will face the full might of the law,” she said.

According to Nehanda Radio, the campaign has triggered concern among legal experts and civil society organisations, who argue that Operation Dudula’s actions violate children’s constitutional right to education and risk fueling xenophobic tensions.

As the 2026 school year approaches, education authorities are bracing for further conflict over undocumented learners.