Gauteng Education Department affirms children's right to education, regardless of documentation
Operation Dudula leader, Zandile Dabula with her delegation, led a build up program towards for their school program that plans to remove undocumented foreign learners from government schools, Noordgesig Secondary School.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Citizenship or immigration status is not a determining factor in the allocation of school places.
That’s how Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) responded to Operation Dudula, following its campaign calling for public schools to prioritise South African learners over foreign nationals.
The movement, led by Zandile Dubula, visited several schools in Soweto on Monday, as part of a mobilisation campaign ahead of a planned schools initiative in January 2026.
Warning letters were delivered to 11 schools, saying that no South African child should be deprived of education in favour of foreign nationals.
Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed the department was aware of the campaign, which he said was aimed at influencing school admission policies.
“Accordingly, the GDE has interacted with Operation Dudula and reiterated that admissions to public schools are governed by the Gauteng School Admissions Regulations,” Mabona said.
He said learners are admitted based on a set of admissions criteria, which include:
-Home address within the school’s feeder zone
-Sibling(s) already enrolled at the school or previous school attended
- Work address within the school’s feeder zone
-Home address within a 30km radius of the school
-Home address beyond a 30km radius of the school
“Parents and guardians are also reminded that placement according to the above criteria is determined by the capacity of each school,” he said.
“Citizenship or immigration status is not a determining factor in the allocation of school spaces.”
Mabona added that all schools must remain safe and accessible environments for learners, staff and parents.
“The department also reminds all members of the public that legislation does not permit the disruption of schools or the interference with teaching and learning,” he said.
“The department continues to uphold the rights of every child to access quality education and will ensure that all school admissions are administered in accordance with the law, policy and ethical governance.”
Despite mounting pressure from anti-immigrant activists, the Gauteng Education Department says it will not compromise on inclusive education policies, warning against disruptions to teaching and learning.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Operation Dudula, which has been criticised for its nationwide campaigns targeting undocumented foreign nationals’ access to public services, has now shifted its focus to schools.
“We have been to four schools now, and we have a target of 11 schools,” Dubula said earlier.
“We are glad that some of the schools do admit the wrongs that are happening in their schools. Another issue that we do have is undocumented South Africans. They are not getting help from Home Affairs when they are given three months' probation to become documented," she said.
The campaign began with visits to Lofentse Girls’ High School in Orlando East and Noordgesig Primary School, among others.
The movement said the schools initiative is part of a broader campaign ahead of next year’s local government elections.
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