South African grassroots movement Abahlali baseMjondolo has strongly criticized Operation Dudula for targeting migrants and falsely blaming them for the country’s ongoing economic and social challenges. The movement condemned recent actions by Operation Dudula, including the denial of access to public healthcare for foreign nationals, calling such behavior “cruel, cowardly, and misleading.”
According to Abahlali baseMjondolo, the country’s economic hardships are the result of systemic issues such as austerity measures, widespread corruption, and the collapse of essential public services, not the presence of migrants. The group emphasized that scapegoating vulnerable communities diverts public attention from these root causes, while also fueling xenophobia and social division.
Operation Dudula has also announced its intention to march on the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) and other civil society organizations, accusing them of being “unpatriotic” for offering legal assistance to migrants and marginalized groups whose human rights are at risk. SERI, along with similar organizations, plays a vital role in defending the constitutional rights of all individuals in South Africa, including migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.
Abahlali baseMjondolo’s statement comes at a time of growing concern over anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, and the group has urged citizens to resist hate-driven narratives and instead focus on building unity and addressing the structural causes of poverty and inequality. The movement continues to advocate for the protection of human rights, inclusive public services, and an end to xenophobic violence in South Africa.
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