“I Was Born In South Africa, Not Zimbabwe”, Says Zandile Dabula

Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula has denied social media claims that she is not South African but was born in Zimbabwe.

Operation Dudula is a South African movement that says it prioritises citizens ‘ access to jobs, healthcare, education, and housing, while also advocating for the mass deportation of undocumented migrants.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Dabula, who has faced controversy amid accusations of promoting xenophobia and violating human rights, insisted that she is South African. She said:

“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.

“We are aware of the plottings, and they are coming from those red berets (EFF members).

“I know there were campaigns launched to decampaign me, but it’s not working.”

In recent months, Operation Dudula members have blocked undocumented foreigners from accessing public healthcare facilities, arguing that they are straining the already overburdened health system.

Organisations, including the Department of Health and the South African Human Rights Commission, have condemned Operation Dudula’s activities.

On Monday, the group extended its immigration campaign to state schools, vowing to block foreign children from enrolling. This prompted the Gauteng Department of Education to intervene.

More: TimesLive

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