08 September 2025

To the Eminent persons group and the Secretariat of the National Dialogue

Call to remove Operation Dudula from National Dialogue

At the onset, KAAX had taken a stand not to participate in the National Dialogue. This is based on lack of inclusivity and government control of the process. 

This is now borne out in the “Immigration” sector of the so-called National Dialogue being hijacked by Operation Dudula (OD), a group which has no demonstrable constituency. It is a  mockery of any claim to a democratic and inclusive process—principles on which the National Dialogue itself is purportedly based—when thuggish elements like OD are permitted to dominate the space, harassing and intimidating organised formations of civil society including migrant organizations. One of the stated objectives that the Dialogue aimed to confront together with poverty, job creation, gender based violence, land reform and food security was social cohesion and accountability in the context of participatory democracy. 

Hundreds of of of people marching against Xenophobia in 2022

No organisation or individuals who are engaged in organized crime, tender fraud or acts of vigilantism should have a place at the table of constructive dialogue and engagement. 

Democracy and the rule of law rest on the principle that all people are equal before the law and that disputes and grievances must be resolved through lawful, accountable institutions rather than arbitrary force. Vigilantism undermines these foundations by placing power in the hands of individuals or groups who take the law into their own hands, often motivated by prejudice, fear, or political manipulation. In doing so, vigilantism erodes public trust in democratic institutions, fuels impunity, and normalises violence as a tool for resolving social tensions. Instead of protecting communities, it threatens the very essence of democracy by bypassing due process, silencing vulnerable groups, and weakening constitutional guarantees of rights and freedoms. Ultimately, where vigilantism flourishes, the rule of law is replaced by rule by force, undermining the legitimacy of democracy itself. 

Yet the means of organising and consultation have revealed that groupings like Operation Dudula are actively fuelling hatred and fear and are calling for the exclusion of migrants from the National Dialogue. The presence of Operation Dudula in the National Dialogue leadership structures demonstrates that we are not serious about building social cohesion and accountability in the context of participatory democracy. 

Social cohesion cannot be built on the grounds of violence, disinformation and corruption and mismanagement. Operation Dudula dovetails with the objectives of all political parties who want to divert our attention away from the corruption and looting of public funds that are key in addressing poverty, inequality and ensuring redress for the ills of apartheid. 

The inclusion of Operation Dudula in official immigration dialogues as purported representatives of “local formations” creates a false equivalence between their anti-immigrant stance and the legitimate concerns of affected communities. This approach marginalizes the voices of migrants and refugees in conversations that directly impact their lives and safety, undermining inclusive governance and participatory democracy.

The presence of Operation Dudula and similar groups has no place in a genuine, inclusive, and credible national dialogue aimed at healing and rebuilding our democracy. The National Dialogue has no legitimacy or credibility as there is no demonstrated leadership committed to democracy, accountability and constructive engagement. 

Issued by:

Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia

Media Contacts:
Mike Ndlovu
+27685522510

media@kaax.org.za

Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) is a broad coalition of civil society organizations committed to ending xenophobia and building solidarity among all people living in South Africa. Their mission is to create a society where everyone can live in dignity, free from violence, discrimination, and exclusion. KAAX organizes community-based campaigns, workshops, and assemblies to empower individuals across nationalities and backgrounds to advocate for social justice and better living conditions.