In what she has labelled a fight against illegal immigration in South Africa, Zandile Dabula has garnered a few enemies along the way, including those who called for her head as they believe she herself is not South African by birth.
With various issues plaguing the country, some citizens have opted to take matters into their own hands by forming civil organisations to help deal with some of these concerns.
Operation Dudula is one of these movements. It was established as an effort to tackle the overwhelming illegal immigration taking place with Mzansi’s borders. Formed in 2021, the organisation has garnered a controversial reputation, and has been heavily criticised by politicians and the public for things such as xenophobia, vigilantism and human rights violations as well.
As she has quickly become the face and leader of Operation Dudula, Zandile has garnered a lot of attention. Lately, she has been labelled as a hypocrite for fighting tooth and nail against illegal immigration, while she is an immigrant herself.
This narrative has made its way across various social media platforms, and has caused some controversy as users go back and forth trying to get to the bottom of this. This comes after the activist revealed that her family did not have a family home in any rural area, which is standard for most black families.
Zandile Dabula of Operation Dudula is Ndebele from Zim; it has been established.
She has her very serious grievances concerning Zim & Zimbabweans based on what happened in Zimbabwe, and she is very bitter. Facts will reveal who Zandile is at the right time. Watch the Space. pic.twitter.com/d89RiZVEqq— Adv. Herbert National Affairs (@HerbertShingi) September 8, 2025
Our Zimbabwean sister Zandile Dabula has worked for “Human Resource Industry” ,
This is despite her Bsc Honours in water and environmental science from Wits 🥲😂
There are no graduation pics, no family tree, no South African foot print at all😂.
We have been scammed 😭🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Y1KkP0YpHs
— MEHMET VEFA DAG (@AFRICANDEMOC) September 14, 2025
Zandile Dabula of Dudula with her two Zimbabwean children. pic.twitter.com/wrkEwZY5Zv
— Rutendo Matinyarare (@matinyarare) August 4, 2025
It also appears Zandile has built herself a strong following and support system, as many have come to her defense and have let critics know that, with their help and support, Operation Dudula is here to stay.
I see a foreigners pushing this narrative that Zandile is a foreigner. I want you guys to know that she is South African and if by any chance she was foreigner we are still behind her. you guys can voetsek. Operation Dudula is here to stay pic.twitter.com/kMKU9SysQM
— Vuurhoutjie3 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 (@vuurhoutjie3) September 15, 2025
Whether she comes from Nigeria or Malawi we don’t care, As long as she’s dealing with illegals we are happy 😊
We stand with Zandile Dabula ✊️✊️ pic.twitter.com/pcyKzRdgIL
— 23 March Movement…M23 (@Plutinum47472) September 15, 2025
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