Cape Town – ActionSA says it shares Operation Dudula’s concerns about illegal immigration in South Africa but firmly rejects the movement’s hard-line methods, party leader Herman Mashaba said in a statement.
The party noted that while it “agrees with Operation Dudula’s message against illegal foreigners,” it does not condone “its methods.”
Mashaba, who recently met with Operation Dudula leaders, said he urged them to act within the bounds of the law. “Here we are, seven or so years later, everyone is talking openly about illegal foreigners … We have to deal with them, but we have to deal with them within the legal framework. One of the core values of ActionSA is the rule of law,” he said.
While acknowledging that Operation Dudula’s cause is “justified,” Mashaba warned that its tactics are “very, very dangerous.” He stressed that ActionSA seeks to harness that momentum through lawful means rather than “take the law into our own hands.”
At a media briefing yesterday, Herman Mashaba, ActionSA President, said he agrees with what Operation Dudula stands for when it comes to illegal foreign nationals however he disagrees with the group’s methods.
“Let’s make sure we respect the laws of our country,” he said. TCG pic.twitter.com/bzIToD9Gd0
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) November 11, 2025
Operation Dudula, which started as a civil movement and later morphed into a more formalised organisation, has in recent times blocked and attempted to block foreign nationals from accessing public health facilities. A Johannesburg High Court interdict recently barred the group from harassing or obstructing foreign nationals’ access to public services.
ActionSA further stated its readiness to work on immigration matters in parliament, provincial legislatures and municipalities, in contrast to what it sees as vigilante-style interventions. “We are also doing the same within Parliament, provincial legislatures and the municipal councils where it’s represented,” Mashaba said.
JUSTIN: The Gauteng High Court, JHB has interdicted Operation Dudula from performing various actions against foreign nationals.This includes, interfering with their access to healthcare services & Intimidating, harassing and/or assaulting foreign nationals to name a few #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/ZPmZ8F4F8q
— Canny Maphanga (@CannyMaphanga) November 4, 2025
With South Africa’s population of foreign-descent residents estimated at roughly 2.4 million (under 4% of the total), according to the latest census data cited in reporting, the immigration debate remains a hot-button issue.
ActionSA’s conditional approach to coalitions also reflects its hardline stance: Mashaba said one non-negotiable condition for any governing alliance is that illegal foreigners must not be allowed in their cities.
[WATCH] Operation Dudula responds to the recent High Court ruling which declared the movement’s actions against undocumented immigrants unlawful.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/zsvYrSNhnH
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 6, 2025
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
