Maimane says Operation Dudula ‘bordering on racism’

BUILD One South Africa (Bosa) leader Mmusi Maimane has drawn criticism after accusing anti-migration group Operation Dudula of racial profiling and scapegoating immigrants.

- XOLILE MTEMBU.

“Immigration is a global issue,” said Maimane. “What Dudula is doing, in my view, is bordering on racism. They go out and identify people illegally. What power does Dudula have to verify immigrants’ papers?”

He argued that the group unfairly blames immigrants for systemic government failures.

Operation Dudula secretary-general Zodwa Booi responded by accusing Maimane of indirectly encouraging illegal immigration.

“Why do people jump the borders? Why don’t they apply like everybody else? He says we must find ways to give them legal status when they get here,” she said.