By Charmaine Ndlela
Zandile Dabula has resigned as president and member of Operation Dudula with immediate effect, citing growing internal divisions and disagreements over the organisation’s political direction.
Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant vigilante group founded in Soweto in 2021, has become known for its hardline stance on undocumented immigration.
Dabula took over as national leader of the movement in June 2023 following the departure of founder Nhlanhla Dlamini, in what marked a major turning point for the organisation.
In her resignation letter, Dabula described her departure as a painful but necessary decision following “a long period of introspection regarding the future direction of the organisation”.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep reflection that I, Zandile Dabula, formally resign from my position as president, as well as a member, of Operation Dudula Political Party,” she said.
Dabula said some leaders within the organisation had increasingly questioned whether the transition from a civic movement into a political party had happened prematurely.
“During the course of our journey, there were moments where some among the national leadership reflected on whether the transition of Operation Dudula into a political party may have happened earlier than necessary,” she said.
She added that many within the movement believed Operation Dudula had built stronger influence as a civic organisation rooted in “activism, advocacy, and community mobilisation”.
Her resignation comes amid heightened national debate over immigration, anti-illegal migration activism and the organisation’s future political direction.
Leaders within the movement have also faced public backlash and accusations of hypocrisy following revelations about their own foreign family roots and backgrounds.
The movement has repeatedly been criticised by civil society groups and human rights organisations, which have accused it of xenophobia and intimidation.
“While I respected and supported the collective decisions taken by the organisation at the time, I have come to accept that my own vision for the future of the movement differs from the current political direction being pursued,” Dabula said.
She acknowledged internal disagreements over leadership, structure and strategy, saying differing views had naturally emerged over time.
“I believe it is in the best interest of both myself and the movement that I step aside and allow the organisation to continue on another path chosen by its leadership,” she said.
Dabula suggested she no longer wished to pursue political leadership through the organisation.
“My conscience will not allow me to continue asking supporters to make further sacrifices when I personally believe that my contribution moving forward would be more meaningful outside of the current political structure,” she said.
Despite resigning, Dabula said she remained committed to issues that gave rise to Operation Dudula, including immigration, community safety, accountability and economic inclusion.
“The issues of immigration, community safety, accountability, lawfulness, economic inclusion, and the dignity of South Africans remain matters I care deeply about,” she said.
Dabula said she would communicate further on her future plans “at an appropriate time”.
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