High Court interdicts Dudula from targeting foreign nationals, group vows to appeal

November 4, 2025 69

Operation Dudula says it will appeal the Johannesburg High Court ruling that declared its attempts to prevent undocumented foreign nationals from accessing public healthcare and education unlawful.

Speaking to YNews, the group’s spokesperson, Davis Magolego, described the judgment, handed down in their absence as “utterly unfair.”

The case was brought by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) on behalf of several human rights organisations, who argued that Operation Dudula’s actions were xenophobic and harmful to vulnerable communities.

The court agreed, issuing an interdict prohibiting the group from blocking access to clinics and schools, and labelling their conduct unlawful and xenophobic.

Magolego, however, insisted the group would not back down.

“We are not going to leave any stone unturned up until this country is coming to a standstill, up until this government can understand very well that our people of South Africa are suffocating.

“Our people of South Africa are struggling in their own country. Therefore, we cannot be spectators of our own economy, of our own economy, and we cannot be spectators of these illegal immigrants who are looting our health medication, ” Magolego said.

Meanwhile, SERI has welcomed the judgment.

[MEDIA ADVISORY] TThe High Court to hand down judgment in Operation Dudula matter

Today, the High Court will hand down judgment in a matter that challenges the xenophobic & racist speech & conduct of Operation Dudula & certain of its office-bearers.

| https://t.co/VO2oXy1NBc pic.twitter.com/c1Jbiq1kbw

— SERI (@SERI_RightsSA) November 4, 2025

Since June, Operation Dudula has made headlines for targeting undocumented foreign nationals at healthcare facilities, blocking them from receiving assistance.

Magolego confirmed that the group will continue its protests, even in the face of arrests or government pressure. Several members recently arrested have since been released, which the group claims is evidence of attempts to undermine their movement.

He urged South Africans to uphold the rights of all people and to work toward a just and inclusive society, where no child is denied education based on nationality or background.

Reaction to the court ruling has been mixed.

Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, welcomed the judgment, calling it a victory for the rule of law and human rights

“We knew from the beginning that Operation Dudula had no legal authority to demand documents from anyone, let alone from learners in our schools.”

He urged South Africans to uphold the rights of all people and to work toward a just and inclusive society where no child is denied education based on nationality or background.

Meanwhile, South Africans have taken to social media to share their views, with opinions divided over the ruling and Operation Dudula’s ongoing campaign.

A win for human rights!✊ We welcome the Gauteng High Court’s ruling that Operation Dudula’s conduct at hospitals and clinics, where they have blocked migrants from accessing public healthcare, is unlawful and xenophobic.

This is an important step in protecting human rights in… pic.twitter.com/ycVEhsbXZp

— @AmnestySAfrica (@AmnestySAfrica) November 4, 2025

I stand with Operation Dudula in this difficult time.

— Joel (@MminaKolobe91) November 4, 2025

Foreign funded NGO SERI took Operation Dudula,Minister of Police and Home Affairs to court, to stop them from;

-Demanding documents from foreigners during road blocks
-Searching houses and Cars of Foreigners without a warrant
-Blocking foreigners from public clinics & schools https://t.co/RKcYlSHlDl

— Mbuso P Siera (@mbuso_siera) November 4, 2025