Operation Dudula’s schools campaign is ill-advised and unlawful, says education activist Hendrick Makaneta

Outspoken education activist Hendrick Makaneta has castigated Operation Dudula for its campaign at schools in Gauteng, warning that the activists’ presence traumatises children and undermines their constitutional rights.

Earlier on Tuesday, IOL reported that Zandile Dabula, leader of Operation Dudula, said their schools campaign is not aimed at depriving children of foreign nationals of education, but argued that due to high demand and limited resources, immigrant children should be enrolled in private schools instead of public ones.

Makaneta, who is deputy chairperson for the Foundation for Education and Social Justice Africa, described the campaign as ill-advised and unlawful.

“The Makhanda High Court has made a groundbreaking ruling on the issue of undocumented learners. At the time the Eastern Cape Department of Education wanted to exclude undocumented learners,” Makaneta told IOL.

“It should be clear at this point that undocumented learners, both South Africans and those who come from other countries, have a right to receive education in line with section 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

“It is also clear that Dudula members do not have proper legal advice. Operation Dudula must stay out of schools and allow learning and teaching to continue. Their presence in schools can only bring misery to children.”

Makaneta urged Dudula activists to focus their energy on tackling unemployment and poverty instead of disrupting children’s education.

“The future belongs to children and let us support these children irrespective of their nationality or documentation status. We condemn the ongoing campaign by Operation Dudula which has targeted schools particularly in Soweto. We wish to reiterate that every child in South Africa has a constitutional right to education regardless of their nationality,” he said.

The Foundation for Education and Social Justice Africa also threw its weight behind the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), urging MEC Matome Chiloane to ensure the protection of vulnerable learners.

“While mobile classrooms address overcrowding, it cannot be correct to rely on them permanently due to poor infrastructure planning. The Gauteng Department of Education must build permanent schools and prioritise safety at all times,” said Makaneta.

“Irregularities flagged by the Auditor-General highlight ongoing governance concerns. We call for full accountability and transparency. Schools must be safe spaces free from disruption. We remain committed to advocating for an inclusive education system that serves all children equally without fear of being taken out of the classroom.”

On Monday, IOL reported that Operation Dudula members visited several schools in Soweto as part of a mobilisation campaign ahead of a planned schools initiative in January 2026. “Warning letters” were delivered to 11 schools, insisting that no South African child should be deprived of education in favour of foreign nationals.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed the department was aware of the campaign, which he said was aimed at influencing 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 outlined the 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 added.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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