Operation Dudula President Zandile Dabula. Image credit: Operation Dudula/X
(The Post News) – The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has on Monday called on Operation Dudula to refrain from disruption of schools or the interference with teaching and learning. This comes after Operation Dudula went to different schools in Soweto calling them to prioritise South African learners over foreign nationals.
The GDE has interacted with Operation Dudula and reiterated that admissions to public schools are governed by the Gauteng School Admissions Regulations.
Operation Dudula has been blocking entrances of public healthcare facilities, and it has now turned its attention to public schools adding that schools were not immigration centres and their only role is to provide education. The campaign has already drawn criticism from Parliament and rights groups. They warn it violates constitutional protections which guarantees every child the right to education.
The department said learners were admitted based on their home address within the school’s feeder zone, sibling(s) already enrolled at the school or previous school attended, work address within the school’s feeder zone, home address within a 30km radius of the school and home address beyond a 30km radius of the school. However, placement will be determined by the capacity of each school.
“Citizenship or immigration status is not a determining factor in the allocation of school spaces. Schools must remain safe and accessible environments for all learners, parents and employees. The department continues to uphold the rights of every child to access quality education and will ensure that all school admissions are administered in accordance with the law, policy, and ethical governance, the department said.
The Gauteng Department of Education remains committed to transparency, accountability, and proactive management of all matters affecting learners and educators. Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters in Gauteng has opened a criminal case against the Operation Dudula movement, accusing them of inciting violence and unlawfully targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
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