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In Focus With Terrence Mwedzi: Operation Dudula And The Fight Among The Poor

People should also know where to direct their anger when chips are down By Terrence Mwedzi It is an open secret that South Africa has been a magnet for immigration for the past decades -and the ANC-led government should now put tight measures to protect foreign nationals (Zimbabweans included) who are living in South Africa as a matter of urgency. In recent days, the controversial group, Operation Dudula Movement took to the streets in Soweto, Johannesburg, Hillbrow, Alexandra - campaigning against undocumented foreign nationals. And many hawkers at Pan Africa Square and other places have some of their stuff and stalls destroyed, and looted despite processing all the requisite official documents, citing that the foreigners are stealing their jobs and businesses - which has been proved to be untrue with logic. This level of lawlessness is really shocking - and some of their claims are meaningless, unsupported by facts and have nothing to do with law abiding foreign nationals.

People should also know where to direct their anger when chips are down

 

By Terrence Mwedzi

It is an open secret that South Africa has been a magnet for immigration for the past decades -and the ANC-led government should now put tight measures to protect foreign nationals (Zimbabweans included) who are living in South Africa as a matter of urgency.

In recent days, the controversial group, Operation Dudula Movement took to the streets in Soweto, Johannesburg, Hillbrow, Alexandra – campaigning against undocumented foreign nationals.

And many hawkers at Pan Africa Square and other places have some of their stuff and stalls destroyed, and looted despite processing all the requisite official documents, citing that the foreigners are stealing their jobs and businesses – which has been proved to be untrue with logic.

This level of lawlessness is really shocking – and some of their claims are meaningless, unsupported by facts and have nothing to do with law abiding foreign nationals. Legal routes must be followed.

Every country can be guided by laws.

 

 

It is reported that Dudula operations began in Soweto last year , but have since spread to Alexandra, Tembisa and Daveyton and the Johannesburg inner city, including Hillbrow, and Orange Grove.

Sadly and unbeknownst to the protesters – these foreign nationals are playing a pivotal role in boosting the local economies.

I strongly believe that some of the foreigners – especially container hawkers are creating their own opportunities here in South Africa – and they are not stealing anyone’s job.

There is a thing line between law enforcement – but also safety, security and dignity because the foreigners have rights too – so they should be protected from intimidation and harassment in the communities.

It is worrying that some fellow Africans come from war-torn countries,and some are politically persecuted – they are very desperate and they need support – rather than being marched against.

 

 

There are also some reports that some foreigners in Robertson (Western Cape) have been attacked by scores of people who were accusing them of ‘stealing’ their jobs.

The videos are doing the rounds on social media platforms. It seems like the xenophobic activists are out in full force hiding behind these groups.

In contrast, l have a strong feeling that something awful is looming – and we must all be worried.

History tells us that in 2008, 2015 and 2019 there was a wave of attacks across the country against foreigners and dozens of people were reported dead – mostly in the cities of Durban and Johannesburg.

What we see is a hardening of positions as Operation Dudula is increasing its activities.

If truth is said, it is the duty of home affairs and police to stop people and ask for documentation – but once that responsibility to drive away undocumented foreigners is placed on the hands of civilians – then chaos and xenophobic attacks are looming any time from now.

 

 

Also, there is a growing group called Operation Fiyela that is targeting non-foreigners. We don’t want to witness yet another outbreak of xenophobic violence in the country. Hopefully, campaigns against foreigners will not be morphed into violence because many people are already living in fear.

In contrast, l think as Africans we should not try to sow seeds of hatred amongst ourselves – AFRICA IS ONE. It is difficult to call (a foreigner) – a foreigner in Africa

We should also know where to direct our concerns and the Africans when chips are down.

I understand that South Africans’ concerns must not be ignored – but it is not a crime to be a foreigner.

In contrast, the ANC – led government should act swiftly to contain this perennial problem, and the National Action Plan issued by the South African government a few years ago to combat such setbacks should remain active.

Sure, it is a big problem that needs to be addressed. I think there should be a wise way to deal with deporting illegal immigrants without tarnishing the country’s image because now every foreign national is a prime target in South African communities.

Foreigners are the targets – the government must intervene today and not tomorrow. Is Dudula meant for the townships only?

 

 

In contrast, I have noticed that there are some regional political demagogues gods who are taking advantage of foreign nationals to gain political mileage – and are not be ashamed of their strange actions. Foreign nationals are being used as political light rods, and it is time to call a spade a spade.

Is Dudula meant for the townships only? Why is it that it seems only the poor are the targets?

Foreigners are not political punching bags – let the law deal with immigration. Let us face reality. Our mistakes must be corrected.

Furthermore, I also want to urge the South African government to implement the immigration act in a proper way, and the regional leaders should sit down and map the way forward to reduce the numbers of people who are coming into the country illegally.

At some point the people who are being called foreigners were called economic migrants – but such words do not seem o exist in the vocabulary of Operation Dudula.

It is also reported that around 3.9 million foreigners live in South Africa, a country of almost 60 million, including political refugees, according to official statistics. Human Rights Watch says foreigners are often made scapegoats in a country with one of the world’s most unequal societies. And in most cases this is a fight among the poor.

Terrence Mwedzi is a writer and poet. He writes to Digital Sunday Express in his own capacity and can be contacted at: +27611370088 Email: moontafadzwa@gmail.com

 

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