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

Joburg tables R97.1bn budget as city battles financial pressure

The City of Johannesburg has unveiled a R97.1 billion budget aimed at stabilising finances while maintaining service delivery. Deputy Mayor and Finance MMC Loyiso Masuku says the budget prioritises infrastructure, essential services and long-term financial sustainability despite mounting concerns about the metro’s fiscal health. Phemelo speaks to Masuku about how…
1 Jun 3PM 19 min

Metrobus cuts services as rising diesel costs bite

Thousands of Johannesburg commuters could face longer waits and fewer buses after Metrobus announced service reductions from Monday. The transport operator says years of budget cuts and escalating diesel prices have forced it to scale back off-peak and low-demand routes. Phemelo speaks to Metrobus Managing Director Dr Bongani Radebe about…
1 Jun 3PM 9 min

DA lays criminal charges over luxury jet trip and alleged tender links

Fresh questions are being raised over a R3.5 million private jet trip to London taken by former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi. The DA has opened criminal charges against Mashazi and businessman Ze Nxumalo following reports alleging links between the trip and companies that secured municipal tenders. Phemelo gets…
1 Jun 3PM 5 min

EFF backs ANC to pass Joburg’s R97.1bn budget

Johannesburg Council has passed the city’s R97.1 billion “pro-poor” budget after the EFF voted alongside the ANC in a 139–92 decision. The heated debate saw the DA and ActionSA slam the budget, while the IFP urged councillors to treat the city’s finances as a “moral obligation.” In a moment that…
28 May 2PM 35 min

What to Watch: Star Wars, Pressure and Rise ’76 reviewed

In this week’s What to Watch feature, film critic Leroy Marc unpacks the latest entertainment picks, including Star Wars and Pressure, both now showing in cinemas, as well as Rise ’76 at the Market Theatre from 17–19 June.
28 May 2PM 19 min