Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula has hit back at critics who called for her deportation, following claims that she is from Zimbabwe.
Known for her anti-immigrant stance, Dabula has often been at the centre of controversy, with some accusing her of promoting xenophobia and violating human rights, while others have questioned her identity on social media.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Dabula firmly denied the allegations and affirmed her South African citizenship.
“I’m a bona fide citizen of this country. I was born and bred in Diepkloof in Soweto and not in Zimbabwe. That’s the only reason I want to put my fellow South Africans first, because I know their struggles,” she said.
President Zandile Dabula answered the question about her nationality: “I was born and bred in Diepkloof, Soweto”. pic.twitter.com/F4jDlDclPP
— Operation Dudula (@0perationDudula) September 22, 2025
Dabula accused members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of orchestrating a smear campaign against her.
“We are aware of the plottings and they are coming from those red berets. I know there were campaigns launched to decampaign me but it’s not working,” she added.
Operation Dudula, launched in 2021, has been in the spotlight for its actions targeting undocumented migrants. Recently, members blocked illegal foreigners from accessing public healthcare facilities, arguing that they put pressure on the country’s overburdened health system.
The group’s actions drew criticism from organisations including the health department and the South African Human Rights Commission, which condemned the denial of services to foreign nationals.
On Monday, Operation Dudula expanded its focus to state schools, claiming it would block foreign children from accessing education, a move that prompted the Gauteng education department to intervene.
Dabula maintained that the organisation is committed to prioritising South Africans and ensuring that foreigners comply with immigration laws while contributing to public services.
“The Constitution and immigration laws guide us. We are not against foreigners; we are against illegal occupation of public services,” she said.
The controversy surrounding Dabula underscores the ongoing tension in South Afr
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