Dudula’s School Threats Slammed by Parliament: “This is Not a Banana Republic”

Loading player...
Parliament has come out swinging against Operation Dudula after the group vowed to block undocumented children, mainly immigrants from attending school in 2026. MPs have warned that such actions would be illegal and a violation of children’s rights. Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Makhi Feni, raised a critical point: how will Dudula even distinguish between South African children without documents and foreign nationals? He reminded MPs that an estimated 6 million South Africans about 11% of the population lack proper documentation, often due to disasters like

fires or floods. “Are we going to have sniffer dogs at the gates to decide who belongs?” he asked sarcastically. Feni warned that disrupting schools and intimidating children would not be tolerated. "We are a constitutional democracy not a banana republic,” he said. Phemelo speaks to Makhi Feni and Operation Dudula President Zandile Dabula.
21 Aug 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

HRDC Summit 2026 focuses on skills for a changing economy

Government has unveiled a renewed push to align education and training with the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven economy through the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC). Chaired by the Deputy President and overseen by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, the council says its mission is to unlock…
17 Apr 5AM 17 min

What to Watch: new films and stage highlights

In this week’s entertainment roundup, Leroy Marc reviews You, Me and Tuscany and Exit 8, both currently screening in cinemas. He also previews Albie Sachs, Fathers, Sons and Soft Vengeance, which runs at Theatre on the Square from 5 to 24 May, along with other picks to keep an eye…
17 Apr 5AM 17 min

Music Feature: celebrating South Africa’s Afro-soul divas

This week’s music feature with musicologist Sheldon Rocha Leal shines a spotlight on South Africa’s Afro-soul divas, exploring the sound and influence of artists such as Judith Sephuma, Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai. The segment revisits standout tracks including A Cry, A Smile, A Dance, Masibambaneni and Emini, among others,…
17 Apr 6AM 9 min

Tshwane CFO suspended as Madlanga Commission fallout deepens

The City of Tshwane has suspended its chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi, placing him on precautionary suspension pending an investigation linked to allegations emerging from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed the decision followed a council meeting where representations were considered in line with disciplinary regulations for…
17 Apr 5AM 17 min

Malema claims “hidden hand” after sentencing outside East London court

EFF leader Julius Malema has alleged political interference in his prosecution, telling supporters outside the East London Magistrate’s Court that a “hidden hand” is driving efforts to derail his political career and weaken the party ahead of the 2026 local elections. This comes after he was sentenced to five years’…
17 Apr 5AM 28 min