The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has raised alarm over the disturbing harassment of Nigerians and other foreign nationals at public hospitals by a group called Operation Dudula. According to NUSA President, Smart Nwobi, the group has been storming health facilities since early 2025, unlawfully demanding proof of citizenship before patients are allowed treatment.
Nwobi, a human rights lawyer, described the group’s actions as both xenophobic and illegal, pointing to Section 27 of South Africa’s Constitution, which guarantees healthcare access for all, regardless of nationality. He explained that doctors have resisted these pressures, insisting their professional oath does not allow them to deny patients care based on origin.
South Africa’s Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, also condemned the group, stressing that only parliament has the authority to change healthcare policy. Despite this, the fear created by Operation Dudula’s actions has forced many Nigerians to avoid public hospitals, leading to a rise in self-medication and heavy dependence on expensive private clinics.
Nwobi revealed that NUSA has written to Nigeria’s Consulate and is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene at the diplomatic level. He added that they are also working with the African Diaspora Forum and other migrant organisations to seek legal action against the group.
The threat, however, does not end with healthcare. Nwobi warned that Operation Dudula is now targeting education, with plans to block foreign children from public schools. He noted that while the majority of South Africans are friendly, a vocal minority continues to fuel hostility, putting Nigerians—estimated at 800,000 in the country—at risk.
He concluded by urging African leaders to tackle economic crises at home to reduce migration pressures, which often spark such xenophobic campaigns abroad.
