Operation Dudula
Coverage of Operation Dudula in the Nexus archive.
- Anti-immigration protesters march in South Africa, as some immigrants leave the country
Thousands of South African protesters marched against illegal immigration in Johannesburg on June 30, 2026, with authorities reporting mostly peaceful demonstrations despite some looting. Protest groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, blamed migrants for unemployment and crime, while the government rejected their demands and emphasized lawful immigration enforcement.
- South Africa deploys police for widespread protests by groups opposing illegal immigration
South Africa deployed police in multiple cities to manage protests against illegal immigration, as groups like March and March, Operation Dudula, and Progressive Forces demanded the immediate departure of undocumented migrants. The protests, which included traditional weapons and national flags, were met with government warnings against violence, while migrants from Zimbabwe and Malawi sought repatriation due to fears of attacks.
- South Africa police clash with displaced migrants
South African police forcibly dispersed approximately 400 displaced migrants seeking refuge at a Durban police station using rubber bullets and tear gas, amid escalating vigilante violence against migrants. The incident has strained diplomatic relations with Ghana and Nigeria, who are launching emergency evacuations for their citizens, while political analysts warn that anti-immigrant sentiment is being weaponized for electoral gains.