Minister Siviwe Gwarube condemns Operation Dudula’s plans to block undocumented learners

by Nomonde Simelane

Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has firmly rejected Operation Dudula’s upcoming plans to force the government to prioritise South African learners by taking their mission to school facilities next January.

With issues such as unemployment, crime, and corruption continuing to plague communities, South Africa has become a ticking time bomb that could explode at any minute, as citizens continue to demand action from the powers that be. After their calls have continued to fall on deaf ears, some citizens have taken matters into their own hands and have created movements with the aim of addressing these issues.

Spearheaded by Zandile Dabula, Operation Dudula has risen as a voice for some citizens who believe that illegal immigration is at the root of various South African issues and should therefore be tackled from the ground up. As a result, the organisation took to public healthcare facilities around Johannesburg to block anyone not carrying a South African ID from seeking services. The movement quickly gained momentum and made its way across various parts of the country, as the phrase ‘Abahambe’ (Foreigners must go) continues to gain momentum.

After some satisfactory results at clinics and hospitals, Zandile revealed that Operation Dudula’s next mission would be schools, as they wanted to ensure that South African learners were prioritised and not left struggling for placement.

In response, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called for a coordinated effort by the police to prevent this from happening. Although she acknowledges that citizens have been placed in a frustrating situation, and also acknowledges the need to effectively deal with illegal immigration, she also highlights the need to protect children, as opposed to victimising them where they are meant to feel safe. She encourages the fight to happen away from schools and to keep the children out of it, whether documented or not.

“No movement, no matter its name or agenda, is entitled to hold children’s education hostage. The full might of the law will confront those who attempt to destabilise schools,” the minister said.

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