The African National Congress Veterans’ League (ANCVL) is not sitting idly by and watching the backlash against foreign nationals from the Operation Dudula Movement, which has spread to various townships in Gauteng.
ANCVL President Snuki Zikalala has chastised the movement’s members on the backdrop of clashes with foreign-shop owners in Alexandra township in Johannesburg last week, TimesLIVE reported.
Directing a harsh word of advice to protesters, Zikalala urged them to stop harassing foreign nationals and, instead, go to school and acquire skills that will allow them to be effective and increase their chances of getting employment in South Africa.
The movement descended on Benoni in Ekurhuleni at the weekend, with demonstrations reportedly erupting in Daveyton. In an earlier Newzroom Afrika interview, Zikalala decried Operation Dudula, calling it dangerous and exploitative towards the jobless.
“A large majority of South African youth are unemployed. I believe Dudula is dangerous because they saw a gap and began stirring South Africans’ emotions. However, as the ANC, we view what they are doing as barbaric,” said Zikalala.
HARASSMENT NOT WAY TO GO
He said Operation Dudula members were not law enforcement authorities and should not assume the role of the police. He added that immigrants should not be harassed for any reason.
“Those Dudula movement members must go to school, acquire skills and not pester foreign nationals. It is improper,” added Zikalala.
Zikalala said migrants are welcome to work in South Africa, although he encouraged them to be in the country legally. He added that the movement must educate its members about the country’s place on the continent, also suggesting that the Department of Home Affairs be “fixed”.
ANC GETS LIP SERVICE
South Africans were as vocal as ever online following Zikalala’s strongly-worded reprimand. Many hit back at the ruling party for failing local citizens, even suggesting the party was responsible for a failed education system.
Amos Sekhaulelo wrote:
“The ANC has failed to use public education as a vehicle to rescue masses of black people from poverty. How can we expect children to remain in schools that do not equip them with the basic skills required to advance them through the system and into working life?”
Zinhle Sukazi said:
“What can we say if people are on the payroll of their masters while poor citizens who live beyond poverty suffers? I always say we will meet in 2024. Its about time the ANC be voted out of power. They are too arrogant!”
Mokone Wa Bokone added:
“The ANC is out of touch with the reality in SA. They think everyone of us has the same connections as their kids. Having education and skills isn’t a guarantee of a better future, many graduates are unemployed.”
