Activist slams Operation Dudula’s plans to block foreign pupils from schools

Mapaballo Borotho

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has condemned Operation Dudula’s plans to stop undocumented learners from writing exams.
He says the move is unlawful and violates children’s constitutional right to education.
Makaneta has called on the group to respect the rule of law and allow learners to complete their exams in peace.

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has criticised Operation Dudula’s plans to visit schools and stop undocumented foreign national learners from completing their exams.

This comes after Dudula vowed to appeal the court interdict which ordered the organisation to stop preventing foreign nationals from using public health facilities and schools.

Makaneta says such actions are unlawful, unethical, and pose a serious threat to the safety and dignity of children.

“Schools are centres of learning which should be respected by everyone,” said Makaneta.

“At a time when learners across the country are sitting for their final examinations, the threats by Dudula members create unnecessary anxiety at a crucial period in children’s education. Every learner has the right to education as enshrined in Section 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.”

The Johannesburg High Court barred Operation Dudula from demanding IDs from individuals in hospitals, clinics, and schools earlier this week.

According to the organisation, illegal foreign nationals are straining the public health services meant for South Africans.

“Members of Operation Dudula should be reminded that the Makhanda High Court has already made a ruling which states that undocumented children should receive education in line with the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the country. Therefore, Dudula’s planned visits to schools where they want to remove undocumented children are ill-advised and unlawful,” Makaneta added.

“We also urge community leaders and citizens to stand together in protecting the right of every child to learn in peace. Operation Dudula must immediately withdraw its planned visits and respect the rule of law. All that the children need is a chance to finish their exams.”