Zandile Dabula


Zandile Dabula is an activist and political figure best known as the leader of Operation Dudula, a nationalist and anti-immigration movement in South Africa. She became publicly known in 2023 following her appointment as the movement's national leader after its founder, Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini.

Early life

It is claimed that Zandile Dabula was born and raised in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa. She stated that she was born in Soweto, not Zimbabwe, responding to widespread online speculation about her nationality.

Leadership of Operation Dudula

Under Dabula's leadership, the movement expanded its operations across multiple provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. The group has been targeting mostly African black foreigners, including those well documented.
Operation Dudula formally registered as a political movement under her leadership, with its intent to contest future national and municipal elections.

Policies and activities

The organisation's campaigns have included demonstrations outside government offices, hospitals, and schools. Its members have demanded stricter immigration controls, the deportation of documented and undocumented migrants, and reforms to social welfare allocation.
Dabula has stated that the group supports lawful and peaceful action but has been criticised by civil society organisations and human rights groups for allegedly promoting xenophobia and vigilantism.

Controversies

Nationality allegations

In 2025, Dabula faced claims on social media that she was of Zimbabwean origin. She was asked about her home ancestors but could not mention any bloodline or distant relatives.

Campaign against undocumented children in schools

Dabula announced that Operation Dudula would campaign to block documented and undocumented foreign children from attending public schools, arguing that South African children should be prioritised. The statement drew condemnation from educators and human rights organisations, who described it as unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Healthcare protests

In mid-2025, Operation Dudula activists were accused of preventing documented migrants from accessing public healthcare facilities even if they had passports. One incident allegedly involved a mother being denied entry to a clinic in Alexandra, where her child later died.

Legal challenges

Several civil society organisations have filed legal complaints against Operation Dudula, citing intimidation, discrimination, and violations of constitutional rights.