Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, has strongly criticized Operation Dudula, a South African movement accused of preventing foreign nationals from accessing public healthcare services.

Zanu-PF’s Director of Information, Farai Marapira, described Operation Dudula’s actions as “a betrayal of African traditions” and a continuation of “colonial-era divisions,” emphasizing that Africans should not be regarded as foreigners on their own continent. He argued that the Berlin Conference imposed artificial borders that now undermine the spirit of Ubuntu.

Marapira further framed the Dudula campaign as a modern replication of the colonizers’ “divide and rule” strategy, noting that such value systems are at odds with pan-African unity and welfare.

In response, Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula defended the group’s stance. She insisted that South Africa has the right to prioritize its citizens and manage public resources, asserting that the movement is not “opposed to migrants receiving healthcare,” but demands that they either pay for public services or seek private alternatives.

Dabula challenged allegations of colonial influence funding Dudula, calling them “unfounded,” and redirected the focus to Zimbabwe’s internal issues. She warned that Zimbabweans fleeing economic hardship are putting pressure on South African jobs, schools, and public services.

“There are millions of Zimbabweans in this country,” Dabula said, dismissing official estimates of around one million as “a lie,” and highlighting the strain on public services.

The dispute highlights growing tensions between Zimbabwe and South Africa over migration and resource allocation. Zanu-PF continues to accuse Operation Dudula of undermining African unity, while Dudula maintains it is enforcing constitutional rights and managing public services for citizens.

South African health authorities have also entered the conversation. Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko clarified that foreign nationals do pay for healthcare access under certain agreements and fee arrangements, and that media narratives suggesting widespread free access are inaccurate.

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