Schools Are For All – GDE Pushes Back on Operation Dudula

The Gauteng Department of Education has slammed Operation Dudula’s campaign targeting undocumented pupils as “misplaced” and out of step with the law. In Soweto, members of the group delivered warnings to schools - telling them not to admit foreign learners in 2026. But GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona is clear: school admissions are based on feeder zones and family links, not citizenship. Govan Whittles speaks to Operation Dudula President Zandile Dabula and Mabona on access to education, identity and legality.