Build One South Africa (Bosa) leader Mmusi Maimane has drawn criticism after accusing anti-migration group Operation Dudula of racial profiling and scapegoating immigrants.
“Immigration is a global issue,” said Maimane. “What Dudula is doing, in my view, is bordering on racism. They go out and identify people illegally. What power does Dudula have to verify immigrants’ papers?”
He argued that the group unfairly blames immigrants for systemic government failures.
Operation Dudula secretary-general Zodwa Booi responded by accusing Maimane of indirectly encouraging illegal immigration.
“Why do people jump the borders? Why don’t they apply like everybody else? He says we must find ways to give them legal status when they get here,” she said.
Booi further claimed that undocumented immigrants were often linked to criminality in townships, a statement that has drawn criticism from migration experts, who argue such claims are unverified and can inflame xenophobia.
Booi added: “We don’t verify anybody’s documents. We are not immigration or Home Affairs. But the government has kept quiet because it benefits.”
Maimane, a former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, said South Africa should promote integration rather than exclusion.
“You don’t want little Lagos or little Malawi. We want integration. Then you can share knowledge and be part of this beautiful African continent,” he said.
Responding to accusations of racism, Booi said: “Politicians like Maimane call Operation Dudula racist.” She then added: “We don’t see white migrants coming to our townships and selling drugs.” That comment has been widely criticised for potentially fuelling racial and xenophobic tensions. Experts warn such generalisations are dangerous and not supported by crime data.
Last week, three Operation Dudula members were arrested for blocking foreigners from accessing a Soweto clinic. They were released with a warning.
Criminologist Thabang Bogopa explained that a warning release indicates the accused have been charged but are released without bail, pending a court appearance.
“This allows the state to gather more evidence and submit the case docket for a prosecution decision,” he said
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