Operation Dudula launches in Thembisa

“South Africa belongs to South Africans” was the order of the day as members of Operation Dudula launched its Thembisa branch.
The event was held at Square 1 Sports Grounds on April 30. Members came out in their numbers to reclaim their economy.
Community members and local shop owners claim it's almost impossible to compete with foreign national prices and has said most of their products are allegedly counterfeit goods.
Deputy chairperson Themba Nkosi believes the reason why most of the South African local businesses shut down was due to the countless spaza shops in and around the informal settlements.
He also said South Africans were at a disadvantage in the formal economy.
Although there were verbal altercations, Ivory Park SAPS and EMPD members were present to ensure no acts of violence occurred throughout the the day.
It was made clear by the regional coordinator and deputy national coordinator of Operation Dudula Themba Mabane that the mandate of the operation is not to take matters into their own hands.
“We are not vigilantes. Many of our operations are merely just acting out the duties that most of our captured police officers have failed to do over the years,” said Mabane.
Members marched from Square 1 Sports Grounds through the biggest informal trading space popularly known as Swaz Inn.
Following allegations that some companies in the area employ undocumented foreign nationals, members made a stop at Pick n Pay Bophelong, in Ivory Park, to demand an audit of its employee ratio.
Speaking at the gathering outside Pick n Pay, Nkosi gave management a request of an audit of its employees.
“The rule is that South Africans should come first when it comes to employment opportunities, ultimately giving undocumented foreign nationals an ultimatum to be documented or go home.
“Management of Pick n Pay, if ever by any chance you have employed undocumented foreign nationals we are here to put in a friendly notice. The economy of South Africa belongs to South Africans, we are tired of the disgusting things that are happening in our society. Our brothers and sisters are turning into zombies because of this,” said Nkosi.
Deputy chairperson of Operation Dudula Soweto branch Dan Radebe announced that the Township Economic Development Act had been passed.
Radebe further went on to say Dudula members are not xenophobic.
“This law that has been passed on April 29 has been on the cards for the past 12 years and it's only surprising that it was only passed under a coalition government. We as Operation Dudula are not a political party or politically affiliated but we are only delighted that our young South Africans will get an opportunity. We will ensure that even the city of Ekurhuleni implements this law,” said Radebe.