The group’s leader says they will appeal a High Court ruling that prohibits them from blocking access to healthcare, insisting their controversial actions are not illegal.
JOHANNESBURG – In a direct challenge to the judiciary, anti-immigrant group Operation Dudula has declared it will continue its campaign of checking the nationalities of patients at public healthcare facilities, despite a recent Gauteng High Court order explicitly prohibiting the practice.
The court ruled that the organisation has no legal authority to require identification from anyone seeking public healthcare, stating that their actions of blocking access to hospitals and clinics were unlawful.
However, Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula remains defiant. While confirming plans to appeal the ruling, she stated that the group would not halt its operations in the interim.
“Our way forward is that we are going to continue with our operations. That is the only reason why we are going to appeal, because an appeal will set aside the judgment,” Dabula said.
She justified the continued actions by claiming widespread public support, stating, “I don’t think South Africans are ready for this because the hype out there is that people are tired of the illegality from foreigners.”
A Legal and Ethical Standoff
The group’s stance sets the stage for a potential legal confrontation. By continuing activities that have just been deemed illegal by the High Court, Operation Dudula risks further legal action.
The court’s initial ruling was a victory for human rights organisations and legal advocates who argued that denying healthcare based on perceived nationality is a violation of human rights and the South African Constitution, which guarantees everyone the right to access healthcare services.
Public health officials have repeatedly warned that such vigilantism creates a climate of fear, deterring sick people—both South Africans and foreigners—from seeking essential medical treatment, which can exacerbate public health crises and lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases.
The group’s insistence on continuing its campaign ensures that the tense debate over immigration, public resources, and the rule of law will remain at the forefront of national discourse.
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