The anti-immigration movement Operation Dudula has launched a scathing attack on former President Thabo Mbeki, accusing him of weak border management and failed leadership during his tenure, which it claims contributed to the country’s ongoing migration crisis.
In a fiery statement, the organisation said Mbeki should “focus on his photography” and “allow South Africa’s young people to fix his mess.”
This comes after Mbeki criticised Operation Dudula during a Thanksgiving event in Johannesburg marking the 15th anniversary of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, saying it “hurts” him to see South Africans targeting other Africans.
“When I see things like Operation Dudula, it hurts. We can’t position ourselves as though we’re enemies of other Africans,” Mbeki said. “We can’t say the problems we face in this country are caused by people who have migrated to South Africa. We have caused problems, but that’s where we come from.”
Operation Dudula Hits Back
In response, Operation Dudula accused Mbeki of hypocrisy and dishonesty, saying his policies laid the foundation for today’s immigration problems.
“Dear former President Thabo Mbeki, Operation Dudula is not ‘this thing.’ We are a political party with foundations in South African communities and among military veterans,” the group said.
“You would do well, Mr. former President, to enjoy your pension and your newly found hobby of photography, and allow South Africa’s young people to address the invasion of our country by illegal foreigners.”
The movement blamed Mbeki’s administration for failing to secure South Africa’s borders, allowing an “unchecked influx” of undocumented migrants that, they claim, has strained public services, increased crime, and heightened unemployment.
“It is a direct consequence of weak border controls and a lack of decisive leadership during your tenure as president,” the statement read. “The failure to secure our borders effectively allowed this problem to grow unchecked.”
Mbeki’s Pan-African View
Mbeki, known for his pan-African philosophy and advocacy for continental unity, urged South Africans not to scapegoat migrants for domestic failures. He said the Thabo Mbeki Foundation continues to work across Africa on peace, governance, and dialogue.
He highlighted ongoing crises in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other parts of the continent, calling for leadership that fosters cooperation rather than division.
“The continent has got these huge problems. South Africa has got these huge problems. They need answers,” Mbeki said. “We can’t run away from that.”
He added that the Foundation had recently hosted peace discussions involving Congolese representatives who appealed for national dialogue to end internal conflict.
Operation Dudula’s Controversial Activities
Founded as a civic movement, Operation Dudula has grown into a registered political party with operations mainly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The group is infamous for its vigilante-style campaigns targeting undocumented migrants at clinics, schools, and workplaces.
Recently, members visited public schools in Gauteng, warning principals not to prioritise undocumented foreign learners for the 2026 academic year.
A similar group, the March and March Movement in KwaZulu-Natal, has undertaken comparable actions.
While some South Africans support these efforts, others — including human rights groups — have condemned them as xenophobic and unconstitutional.
A Divided Nation
The heated exchange between Mbeki and Operation Dudula reflects a deeper national divide over migration, unemployment, and the legacy of post-apartheid governance.
Operation Dudula insists it is not anti-African but pro-South African, arguing that undocumented migration has overwhelmed local communities.
“One of the most pressing issues we face today is the unchecked influx of illegal foreigners, which has severely impacted our social cohesion, economic stability, and public safety,” the group said.
They claim to be acting “decisively and compassionately” to restore order and protect local livelihoods, calling their mission a “task of national urgency.”
“Former President Mbeki, allow Operation Dudula, together with all South Africans, to fix your mess for the sake of our country and the future of our children,” the group concluded.
Broader Context
South Africa continues to face mounting social tension around immigration policy, as unemployment hovers above 32% and public frustration with service delivery intensifies.
The government’s Department of Home Affairs has promised stricter immigration enforcement and documentation processes, but critics argue the issue is rooted in deeper economic inequality and political mismanagement.
For Mbeki, the challenge remains continental: building unity amid chaos. For Operation Dudula, the focus is domestic — closing the borders and reclaiming control. Both, in their own way, claim to be fighting for South Africa’s future, but their visions couldn’t be more different.
