Operation Dudula backs 30 June protest ‘deadline’ but distances itself from potential fallout

By Charmaine Ndlela

Operation Dudula says its members will participate in 30 June protests demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals, but insists it is not leading the campaign and cannot predict what will happen if the “deadline” passes without compliance.

In an interview with Inside Politics in Illovo, Sandton, Operation Dudula National Executive Committee (NEC) member Siphiwe Shabangu said the organisation supported the ultimatum because it reflected “concerns” it had raised for years, but stressed that the campaign was being driven by other civic leaders and “ordinary South Africans”.

“As you have seen on television, civic leaders such as Nkosikhona ‘Phakelumthakathi’ Ndabandaba and Ngizwe Mchunu are leading the 30 June campaign. We support the programme, but we are not leading it,” Shabangu said.

The campaign has attracted national attention amid growing tensions over illegal immigration and the government’s handling of border management.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that the