Dudula demands halt to Gaza refugee intake

Operation Dudula has called on the South African government to withdraw its intention to accommodate 150 asylum seeking individuals from Gaza. The organisation said it notes reports of two aircraft that transported Palestinian travellers to South Africa this week.

It said information in the public domain suggests that the flights were not originally scheduled and that arrangements for their landing were made at the last minute.

National spokesperson Zodwa Booi said the organisation remains concerned about security and verification processes linked to the arrival of the travellers. “While we recognise the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, we maintain that South Africa cannot risk national security by hosting individuals whose identities and origins remain unverified,” said Booi.

Booi said the organisation is calling on the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola to ensure that strict screening procedures are followed. “We urge the minister to enforce strict verification and screening processes and to ensure that these asylum seekers are instead accommodated in neighboring Middle Eastern countries that openly support their situation,” said Booi.

Operation Dudula said the arrival of the group comes at a sensitive time as South Africa is hosting the G20 Leaders Summit. It said the introduction of unverified travellers may create discomfort for participating countries and may pose security concerns.

Booi also raised concerns about the role of certain non governmental organisations. She said the organisation believes that some NGOs appear to influence government decisions on immigration matters.

“Advocacy is a legitimate democratic activity; however, it becomes problematic when external entities are perceived to direct state actions on matters as sensitive as immigration and border control. Gift of the Givers should refrain from encouraging decisions that may compromise national safety and should explore arrangements outside South African borders,” said Booi.

The organisation said it will monitor developments and will continue advocating for lawful and accountable border management. “Operation Dudula remains committed to prioritizing the safety, security, and concerns of South Africans,” said Booi.

On Friday South African Daily reported that the Department of Home Affairs had provided an update on the arrival and processing of 153 travellers from Palestine at OR Tambo International Airport. The passengers remained on a chartered aircraft for more than 13 hours due to immigration clearance issues.

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said the travellers arrived from Nairobi on Thursday 13 November 2025. Officials from the Border Management Authority processed the passengers through standard immigration procedures. Some passports did not have departure stamps and some travellers did not have return tickets or accommodation details.

Palestinian passport holders are permitted 90 day visa exempt entry into South Africa. The Department said the discrepancies prevented immediate clearance and vulnerable passengers were moved to buses during verification. After checks were completed, travellers were allowed entry. Twenty three members of the group had already left on connecting flights. None applied for asylum.

The Department said it is working with the Palestinian embassy to investigate claims that an unregistered organisation facilitated the travel irregularly. Gift of the Givers said children on the flight were dehydrated and that conditions during the delay were distressing for families.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he allowed the illegal refugees out of empathy.