children of illegal immigrants Operation Dudula

Operation Dudula protesters set fire to an EFF flag outside of Kalafong Hospital. Image via Twitter/@ncwane_nokwanda.

Operation Dudula reportedly planning to chase children of illegal immigrants out of classrooms

According to circulating messages, Operation Dudula is allegedly planning to chase children of illegal immigrants out of classrooms.

children of illegal immigrants Operation Dudula

Operation Dudula protesters set fire to an EFF flag outside of Kalafong Hospital. Image via Twitter/@ncwane_nokwanda.

The Foundation for Education and Social Justice Africa has called on police to protect the children of illegal immigrants following allegations that Operation Dudula is planning to chase them out of schools. 

This comes as a number of parents especially in Gauteng complained that children of illegal immigrants are prioritised instead of South African-born children when it comes to learner placement in schools. It is also not yet clear if the circulating messages are from earlier in January.

CHILDREN OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ‘UNDER’ THREAT 

Operation Dudula, an anti-illegal immigrant group has been hard at work recently chasing immigrants out of local clinics in parts of Gauteng and conducting drug raids in known hotspots. 

The Foundation said its call is informed by a circulating message from Operation Dudula, which aims to take children of illegal immigrants out of classes.

children of illegal immigrants Operation Dudula
Image: Operation Dudula/ Facebook.

The Foundation’s spokesperson Hendrick Makaneta said they believe that Operation Dudula should be directing its frustrations to the Department of Basic Education and leave innocent learners to study in peace.

Makaneta said the South African government must look after the interests of everyone within the country’s borders to get access to basic education. This duty is guaranteed as enshrined in section 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

WATCH: EFF and Operation Dudula fight outside Kalafong Hospital

“By forcefully taking learners out of classrooms, Operation Dudula members will break the law. We, therefore, call on the government to leave no stone unturned by bringing to book those who will embark on illegal activities of trying to deny learners a chance to create a future for themselves. 

“Ignoramus such as Operation Dudula have to be reminded that South Africa is a beacon of hope for millions of Africans in the continent.”

Hendrick Makaneta

ALSO READ: Female amongst suspects arrested for allegedly killing an Operation Dudula member

Furthermore, Makaneta said common enemies are poverty, unemployment, and inequality and called on Operation Dudula to redirect their efforts towards fighting the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality instead of targeting innocent children.

“The learners who happen to be children of illegal immigrants may help us as a nation in the future. Let’s look after them now,” he added. 

ALSO READ: ICYMI: Tshwane streets affected by Operation Dudula march