By Patience Gondo
ZANDILE Dabula has resigned as president and member of Operation Dudula amid growing internal divisions within the controversial organisation over its political direction, if media reports aee anything to go by.
Addressing the members on Thursday, Dabula confirmed that her resignation took effect on May 13 after what she described as a period of deep reflection about the future of the movement and her role within it.
“With effect from May 13th I have decided to resign as a member and leader of Operation Dudula,” she said.
“Resigning from Operation Dudula feels like losing part of myself.”
Her resignation comes at a time when tensions have reportedly intensified within the organisation, particularly over its decision to transition from a civic movement into a political party.
“I have also observed that like many organizations undergoing growth and transition differing views on leadership structure and strategy have naturally emerged over time,”she said.
“While such differences are part of any evolving organisation l believe it is in the best interest of both myself and the movement that l step aside and allow the organisation to continue in another part chosen by its leadership,”
Despite stepping down, Dabula said she was not abandoning the causes she had championed during her years in the movement.
“So this decision ladies and gentlemen, I don’t want you to misunderstand me. I am not abandoning the struggle. I am not backing down. I am not retreating from the issues I have raised for six years,” she said.
Operation Dudula rose to prominence in South Africa following the July 2021 unrest, positioning itself as a movement advocating for stricter immigration controls and prioritising South Africans in employment opportunities, healthcare and social services.
The organisation became widely known for its Put South Africans First campaign and high-profile marches in townships and Johannesburg’s inner city.
Supporters viewed the movement as a voice for frustrated communities battling unemployment, crime and poverty, while critics accused it of promoting xenophobia and targeting foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries.
Human rights organisations and activists frequently condemned some of the group’s protests and actions at schools, clinics and businesses.
Under Dabula’s leadership, Operation Dudula expanded beyond Gauteng into other provinces and formally entered the political arena by registering as a political party.
Dabula herself became one of the movement’s most recognisable figures, often leading demonstrations against undocumented immigration and speaking out on issues relating to public healthcare, unemployment and crime.
She was also involved in controversial campaigns calling for tighter restrictions on foreign nationals accessing schools and state healthcare facilities, positions that drew backlash from civil society organisations and migrant rights groups.
She also previously faced criticism from Zimbabweans living in South Africa, some of whom accused her of fighting her own people after reports emerged that she was originally from Zimbabwe.
Social media debates around her nationality intensified during several anti-immigration protests led by Operation Dudula, with critics questioning why someone alleged to have Zimbabwean roots would lead campaigns targeting foreign nationals.
Dabula, repeatedly defended her stance insisting that her activism was about protecting South African citizens and demanding accountability from government on immigration management and service delivery.
Her resignation now leaves uncertainty over the future leadership and direction of the movement at a time when immigration remains one of South Africa’s most divisive political issues.