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By Thapelo Molefe
Parliament has urged parents of foreign national learners to exercise vigilance amid warnings that Operation Dudula activists could attempt to block children from accessing schools on Wednesday.
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries, Makhi Feni, said the committee was deeply concerned by social media posts suggesting the group intended to disrupt schooling.
“We condemn this conduct from Operation Dudula activists, and we call on them not to distract school operations. Learning time is of essence and especially this close to preliminary and final examinations,” Feni said.
He called on the Department of Basic Education to implement measures to safeguard schools and ensure that any individuals who threaten learners are held accountable.
Operation Dudula, known for previous illegal demonstrations at healthcare facilities, has not publicly confirmed the planned action but has faced criticism for targeting foreign nationals in various sectors.
The group’s organisational leader Zandile Dabula, recently announced that Operation Dudula will launch a larger campaign at the end of December, continuing into January 2026, aimed at preventing foreign children particularly those without legal documentation from enrolling in public schools in South Africa.
Dabula said members of the movement would be stationed at schools to enforce the policy.
Civil society organisations have condemned the plans. Equal Education (EE) and the Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) argue the proposed campaign violates the Constitution and a landmark High Court ruling affirming the rights of all children in the country to basic education, regardless of documentation status.
The issue of foreign nationals in South Africa, especially undocumented migrants, has been contentious for years, sparking protests, policy debates and tension over access to limited resources such as housing, healthcare and education.
Feni warned that any attempts to block access to schools could traumatise young learners and escalate into broader criminal activity.
“These violent actions have the potential to be such a traumatic experience for young children and must be stopped. The uncoordinated activism by Operation Dudula is a concern, and could likely be hijacked by criminal elements,” he said.
He further appealed to principals to remain vigilant and to prioritise the safety and welfare of learners under their care.
INSIDE EDUCATION