Nigerians In South Africa Raise Alarm Over Xenophobic Harassment

Nigerians in South Africa are crying out over fresh xenophobic threats by a group known as Operation Dudula, which they accuse of blocking foreigners from accessing public hospitals and other essential services.

Community leaders say the situation has reached a dangerous level, with disturbing reports of women giving birth on bare floors outside hospitals and patients discharged without care.

A viral video circulating online shows one of the group’s leaders ordering non-South Africans out of a public hospital, sparking outrage among affected communities. Operation Dudula, which began as a grassroots campaign, claims to be fighting illegal immigration and job losses but has faced widespread condemnation for targeting African migrants.

Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, described the harassment as “another wave of xenophobia” and urged both Nigerian and South African authorities to act swiftly. He said Nigerian doctors were stepping in to help victims, but warned that the situation was worsening daily.

Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, recounted the case of a nursing mother denied access to immunisation services for her newborn. He warned that the group’s actions violated South Africa’s constitution and called for security agencies to protect public facilities from being hijacked by vigilante groups.

Some Nigerians accused Operation Dudula members of being “criminals” hiding under activism. They noted that even South African politicians like Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters had demanded investigations into the movement.

Ex-diplomats also condemned the development. Former Nigerian Consul to Cameroon, Rasheed Akinkuolie, described the attacks as “illegal thuggery” rooted in an apartheid mindset, questioning why they only targeted Black foreigners while sparing white residents. Retired Ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode warned that the continued harassment could damage diplomatic relations and weaken African unity.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that African Ambassadors in Pretoria are already engaging South African authorities to find a lasting solution.

With Operation Dudula vowing to intensify its campaign, including plans to bar foreigners from public schools next year, Nigerians in South Africa say they are living in fear and demand urgent diplomatic action.