Operation Dudula tells Mbeki to focus on photography, not South Africa’s migration crisis

Operation Dudula has accused former President Thabo Mbeki of weak border controls and a lack of decisive leadership during his tenure, saying this led to a large influx of migrants into South Africa, and has called on him to “fix his mess.”

This follows comments by Mbeki, who said it “hurts” him to see Operation Dudula blaming foreign nationals for the country’s problems.

“Operation Dudula has noted with regret the dishonest and hypocritical statement made by former President Thabo Mbeki, referring to Operation Dudula as ‘this thing,’” the group said in a statement.

“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.

“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,” it added.

Mbeki made his remarks during a Thanksgiving event in Johannesburg on Saturday marking the 15th anniversary of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

“When I see things like Operation Dudula, it hurts. We can’t position ourselves as though we’re enemies of other Africans,” he said.

“It’s not right. There are problems - problems we have got to solve in this country - and we can’t say those problems are caused by people who have migrated to South Africa. We have caused problems … but that’s where we come from,” Mbeki added.

Mbeki’s comments come amid growing concern over Operation Dudula’s activities. 

The group is known for stationing its members at public clinics and hospitals, particularly in Gauteng, to check the legal status of foreign nationals using South African healthcare facilities.

Now registered as a political party, Operation Dudula has recently visited public schools in Gauteng, warning principals not to prioritise undocumented foreign nationals for the 2026 academic year.

A similar group, the March and March Movement in KwaZulu-Natal, has undertaken comparable actions. 

While some South Africans have expressed support for both movements, others have criticised their approach as inhumane.

Mbeki said that as South Africans look across the continent, there is much to be concerned about.

“There’s a lot to worry about. The stream of people who come to the foundation every day to discuss problems at home, on the continent, and beyond - asking what we can do,” he said.

He added that three weeks ago, the foundation held a meeting on peace and security in Africa.

“One of the things that happened, and I give this as an example, was that there were a lot of Congolese in attendance, because the situation in the DRC was on the agenda,” he said.

“They said that when people outside the Congo look at their country, they see conflict in the east, which is true. But they said there are problems elsewhere too, and that to address them, they need a national dialogue among Congolese to come together and decide what to do.

“They said, ‘Now, President Mbeki, do something about that.’ They were not requesting; they were insisting. We have since acted as they suggested. I can give many such examples of what the foundation is trying to do,” he said.

Mbeki said the situation across the continent remains deeply concerning.

“Look at Sudan, you see terrible things happening both north and south, with no solution in sight. People come to the foundation and say, ‘Do something.’ I think it’s our responsibility; we can’t run away from that,” he said.

He added that South Africa is not alone in facing serious challenges.

“The continent has got these huge problems. South Africa has got these huge problems. They need answers,” he said.

“One of the things that has been very moving and encouraging about the foundation, relative to the rest of the continent, is what people have said about it.”

Meanwhile, Operation Dudula claimed it was addressing the issue of undocumented immigrants.

“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.

It claimed the crisis did not arise overnight.

“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, contributing to rising crime rates, unemployment pressures, and strained public services.”

Operation Dudula said the responsibility for this situation lies with those who held power and neglected their duties.

It said that it is committed to working with all South Africans to restore order, security, and dignity in communities.

“We believe that by addressing the illegal immigration issue decisively and compassionately, we can build a safer and more prosperous future for our country and the generations to come. It is a task of national urgency, and we call on all leaders, past and present, to support this collective effort for the good of South Africa.”

“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,” it added.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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