society
Ramaphosa’s Quiet Diplomacy vs. Loud Xenophobia: How Operation Dudula Is Undermining South Africa’s Global Standing
Ramaphosa’s Quiet Diplomacy vs. Loud Xenophobia: How Operation Dudula Is Undermining South Africa’s Global Standing.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com
A Nation Pulling in Two Directions. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration is walking a tightrope. On one side lies the urgent task of rebuilding South Africa’s economy, battered by years of mismanagement, COVID-19 shocks, rampant corruption and crippling power shortages. On the other side stands a growing domestic threat: the surge of xenophobic extremism, led by vigilante groups like Operation Dudula, who are waging war on African migrants under the false pretense of patriotism.
As Ramaphosa desperately tries to woo foreign investors (such as through a private telephone call with U.S. President Donald Trump seeking financial aid) he faces sabotage from within. The violent rhetoric and actions of xenophobic groups are painting a picture of South Africa as intolerant, lawless and hostile to Africans. How does a nation attract the world’s investment while simultaneously attacking its own African brothers and sisters?
This contradiction is not just a diplomatic blunder. It is a moral, economic and political crisis.
The Trump Call: A Desperate Plea for Help. In a move that underscores the dire state of the South African economy, President Ramaphosa reportedly held a private phone conversation with U.S. President Trump during his presidency. The conversation focused on foreign investment, debt relief and bilateral cooperation in key infrastructure and energy projects. This outreach was part of Ramaphosa’s larger effort to revive investor confidence amid deteriorating economic indicators.
Dr. John Stremlau, visiting professor of international relations at Wits University, contextualized the urgency: “Such a conversation between heads of state signifies desperation not diplomacy. South Africa needed help and Ramaphosa turned to Washington.”
But while Ramaphosa was quietly lobbying for help abroad, the scenes unfolding on South African streets told a different story; one of chaos, hatred and systemic violence.
Operation Dudula: A Dangerous National Embarrassment. Launched in 2021, Operation Dudula presents itself as a grassroots movement protecting South African interests. In reality, it is a xenophobic militia targeting black African immigrants. Its members have raided shops, harassed traders, stormed neighborhoods and even hospitals accusing undocumented foreigners of stealing jobs and resources. In one shocking incident in Soweto in March 2022, members of Operation Dudula stormed the Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital, demanding that foreign nationals be denied medical attention. The group claimed that Zimbabwean and Congolese patients were straining the South African health system. Their presence endangered healthcare workers, patients and the sanctity of the health sector.
Police swiftly intervened and arrested several Dudula members involved in the illegal hospital raid. According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza: “No one has the right to deny another human being healthcare. Those who breach the law under the guise of activism will face consequences.”
This disgraceful act sparked widespread outrage across civil society. The South African Medical Association issued a scathing condemnation: “Hospitals are places of healing, not political battlegrounds. Denying healthcare based on nationality is not just unethical but criminal.”
Despite this, Dudula leaders doubled down on their actions, vowing to “continue protecting South Africa from foreign invasion.” That language, chillingly similar to far-right groups across the globe, has no place in a democratic society.
Diplomatic Damage and Regional Fallout. The international community has not remained silent. The African Union, ECOWAS and multiple foreign embassies have expressed grave concern over recurring xenophobic incidents in South Africa. These incidents not only tarnish South Africa’s image but also threaten regional integration efforts like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
A 2024 statement from the African Union Commission bluntly stated: “The continued xenophobic violence in South Africa undermines the values of African unity and mutual prosperity.”
In economic terms, the damage is tangible. According to South Africa’s Reserve Bank, foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 12% in 2024 compared to 2023, with major declines in tourism, retail and health services. Investor perception surveys show a significant drop in South Africa’s “political risk” ratings; due not just to corruption or power instability, but also “widespread anti-immigrant sentiment.”
Dr. Mzukisi Qobo of the Wits School of Governance warns: “You do not invite global investors with one hand while chasing their citizens out of hospitals with the other. The optics are horrible and the message is worse.”
Ramaphosa’s Silence: Complicity or Cowardice? What makes this crisis even more alarming is President Ramaphosa’s consistent silence. Rather than confronting Operation Dudula and its sister movements head-on, the president has tiptoed around the issue, choosing vague statements over decisive condemnation.
Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, constitutional lawyer and political commentator, argues: “When a president fails to condemn what is clearly hate-driven vigilantism, he gives it oxygen. Silence, in this context, is not neutrality, it is complicity.”
Critics believe Ramaphosa fears political backlash from segments of the unemployed population who have been manipulated into believing that foreigners are to blame for their suffering; but scapegoating migrants does nothing to address the ANC’s long-standing governance failures, nor the widening inequality that fuels unrest.
A Crisis of Identity: Who Are We as a Nation?
The xenophobia crisis is more than a diplomatic headache, it is a moral referendum on South Africa’s soul. Once admired as the rainbow nation led by Mandela’s dream of unity, the country now risks becoming infamous for mob rule, state neglect and tribal hatred.
Human rights lawyer Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh remarked: “We cannot call ourselves a beacon of African leadership when we assault fellow Africans. You cannot build a nation by burning the bridges that connect it to its neighbors.”
Instead of building solidarity across the continent, South Africa is becoming isolated. Bilateral relations with countries like Zimbabwe and Nigeria are strained. Grassroots Pan-African solidarity is collapsing under the weight of paranoia and propaganda.
What Must Be Done: The Path Forward. The time for speeches is over. South Africa needs action:
Dismantle Operation Dudula and similar groups: These organizations are domestic terrorists, not civil society actors.
Protect Healthcare and Education Spaces: Government must pass legislation declaring hospitals and schools as non-negotiable humanitarian zones.
Public Acknowledgment of Xenophobia: Ramaphosa must confront the crisis directly in his public addresses and outline state policy to curb it.
Regional Diplomatic Reset: South Africa should host an emergency summit with African leaders to renew trust and reaffirm its Pan-African commitments.
Job Creation Through Inclusion, Not Exclusion: Blaming foreigners won’t solve unemployment. Structural reforms, investment in youth entrepreneurship and labor market flexibility are key.
Final Thoughts: A Nation at the Crossroads. President Cyril Ramaphosa stands at a defining moment in his leadership. He can either be remembered as the man who allowed hatred to fracture the dream of a united Africa, or as the leader who rose above populism to protect South Africa’s future.
The CHOICE is his; but TIME is not.
As Nelson Mandela warned decades ago: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
South Africa has fallen. The question now is; will it rise?
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Epe Premier Club Meets Obasa Ahead of Baba Bamu’s Immortalisation
The leadership of the prestigious Epe Premier Club on Wednesday, January 28, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, as part of preparations for the Club’s inaugural immortalisation ceremony in honour of their founding fathers.
Led by Hon. Abiodun Mustainu Tobun, the delegation briefed Speaker Obasa on the Club’s resolve to inaugurate a new era of recognising and immortalising iconic figures who contributed significantly to the socio-political and cultural development of Epe Division while they are still alive. He explained that the Club had unanimously selected Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu—a respected member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and political leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe Division—as the first honouree.
Hon. Tobun emphasised that Baba Bamu embodies leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the growth of Epe, describing him as a mentor and pillar whose contributions have shaped the region’s political trajectory.
Responding, Speaker Obasa commended the Epe Premier Club for its foresight in institutionalising a programme to honour the legacies of distinguished individuals. He applauded the choice of Alhaji Seriki Bamu, noting that his impact, political maturity, and statesmanship continue to resonate across Lagos State.
Obasa expressed gratitude for the invitation and assured the delegation of his support and presence at the celebration, stressing the importance of recognising leaders who have given immensely to community and state development.
The courtesy visit also provided a platform for broader conversations on civic engagement, community empowerment, and collaborations aimed at further advancing Epe Division.
The immortalisation ceremony for Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu will take place in the coming weeks and is expected to draw dignitaries, community stakeholders, and residents in large numbers.
society
Africa Gospel Film Project Launched to Train a New Generation of Christian Filmmakers Across Africa
Africa Gospel Film Project Launched to Train a New Generation of Christian Filmmakers Across Africa
Abuja, Nigeria – January 2026 — Gospel Cinema International has officially announced the launch of the Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP), a bold, multi-year capacity-building and film production initiative designed to equip African Christian filmmakers with professional skills, spiritual depth, and global distribution pathways.
Africa is home to over 600 million Christians, yet African faith-based films remain significantly underrepresented in global catalogues. AGFP was created to address this gap by training filmmakers, producing premium-quality faith-based content, and strategically connecting Africa’s Christian film ecosystem to the global market.
The project will launch its first phase with a 6-Day Immersive Filmmaking & Spiritual Formation Program, scheduled to hold April 13–18, 2026, in Nigeria, followed by the production of an 8-episode faith-based series later in the year.
“Film is one of the most powerful tools shaping culture and belief today,” said Bright Wonder Obasi, president of Gospel Cinema International. “Africa Gospel Film Project is not just about making films—it is about shaping storytellers who understand both excellence and spiritual responsibility.”
AGFP will focus on:
Professional training in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, producing, and acting
Deep spiritual formation and mentorship
Collaborative production and international distribution pathways.
Gospel Cinema International is a faith-driven film development organization committed to training, producing, and distributing impactful Christian films that shape culture and inspire faith globally.
Applications and partnership discussions are now open.
For applications and information:
visit www.gospelcinemaint.com
Email [email protected]
Follow @gosplecinemtrybe across social media for updates.
2027: Group Urges Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi to Contest Niger Governorship
A group known as the Niger Progressives & Prosperity Promoters (NPPP) has issued a strong public appeal urging Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Niger State.
In a statement dated January 27, 2026, signed by Dr. Ibrahim K. Mohammed as convener, the group criticized the current administration under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for what it described as excessive international travels, unfulfilled agreements, and lack of tangible development in areas like water supply, jobs, agriculture, security, and infrastructure, despite the state’s abundant resources.
The statement described Malagi—a former governorship aspirant in 2023, media entrepreneur, and federal minister—as the ideal candidate, highlighting his calm, strategic, results-oriented leadership style, national experience, and ability to deliver without theatrics or corruption.
It emphasized that the call transcends party lines and urged youths, elders, professionals, farmers, and community leaders to rally behind competence for Niger State’s progress, describing the moment as a critical crossroads where delay risks further decline.
Full Press Statement:
Enough Is Enough: A Clarion Call on Mohammed Idris Malagi to Step Forward in 2027.
There comes a moment in the life of a people when patience expires and silence becomes betrayal. Niger State has reached that moment.
Our state stands at a dangerous crossroads rich in land, water, and people, yet poor in outcomes; blessed with opportunity, yet trapped in underperformance. What we suffer today is not a lack of promises, but a surplus of them. Not a lack of travels, agreements, or signatures, but a tragic absence of results.
For three years, Niger State has been subjected to a governance style that prioritizes junketing over delivery leaders hopping from the USA to the UAE, from Russia to China, Brazil to South Africa, Egypt to Singapore. From Lagos State to Dangote multi billion agreements, signing glossy Memoranda of Understanding that never translate into water in our taps, food on our tables, jobs for our youths, or dignity for our people.
Agreements without impact are not achievements. Frequent flights without measurable outcomes are not leadership. Sophisticated paperwork masking systemic corruption is not governance. Niger State does not need a globe-trotting signatory-in-chief. Niger State needs a governor.
Why the Call Is Now Unavoidable:
This is why the call across Niger State is no longer cautious or quiet. It is bold, collective, and unmistakable:
Mohammed Idris Malagi must hear the cry of the masses, the unpaid pensioners, the poor farmers that have not seen fertilizer for their farms, and the teeming unemployed youths to contest for the Governorship of Niger State in 2027.
This is no longer a suggestion. It is a call to duty. The people are tired of leadership that manages decline instead of driving development. Tired of carefully crafted speeches that produce no schools, no hospitals, no security, no water, and no agricultural value chain. Tired of a system that looks sophisticated on paper but is rotten in practice.
Niger State must break free from this cycle.
What Niger State Needs Now Is Calm, Astute, and Results-Driven Leadership.
Mohammed Idris Malagi represents a fundamentally different leadership model one rooted in calm authority, strategic thinking, and execution, not noise, lousiness or theatrics.
His leadership style is not impulsive or erratic. It is measured, deliberate, and intelligent. He listens, analyzes, decides, and delivers. He does not confuse activity with productivity or visibility with value. He share responsibility and respect views and dialogues.
At the national level, Malagi has demonstrated a deep understanding of how power, policy, and institutions truly function not in theory, but in reality. He has mastered the ability to articulate vision clearly and earn public confidence without intimidation or propaganda.
He has the discipline to operate under intense pressure while maintaining clarity, composure, and direction. With the capacity to move complex systems from decision to implementation, not endless committees, fraudulent entities and excuses. This is executive leadership, this is governor-level competence. Niger State does not need a power monger who monopolizes authority at the expense of good governance. It needs a leader already tested by complexity.
Niger State cannot afford anymore four years of experimental governance. Another cycle of foreign trips with no domestic impact. Another administration that signs agreements while communities remain abandoned. Another sophisticated corruption network dressed up as reform of “New Niger” an agenda of multiple corruption must not be allowed to continue, to be governed by a system that looks modern but delivers poverty.
A Leadership Moment That Cannot Be Deferred is now.
At crossroads, delay equals decline.
Insecurity deepens while opportunities slip away. Public trust erodes while governance becomes increasingly disconnected from lived realities. Incrementalism is no longer an option.
Niger State see in Malagi as the next governor that will be Prepared, not rehearsing; Decisive, not tentative; Calm, not chaotic; Nationally respected, yet deeply rooted in local realities; Bold enough to reform systems, not merely administer decay.
Mohammed Idris Malagi fits this moment not by coincidence, but by competence.
Beyond Party Lines, For Niger State
This clarion call is not anchored on any political party. It is anchored on capacity, courage, and commitment.
Political parties are vehicles. Leadership is the engine.
On whatever platform the people choose, Mohammed Idris Malagi represents a unifying option one capable of bridging zones, generations, faiths, and political divides. This is not about comfort or convention; it is about survival, progress, and dignity.
To Mohammed Idris Malagi: History Is Knocking
History does not knock endlessly. When it does, it demands a response.
This is not about personal ambition. It is about responsibility to a state at risk of prolonged stagnation. The people are watching. The moment is ripe. The call is clear.
Mohammed Idris Malagi, Niger State calls on you to contest for Governor in 2027.
Step forward. Offer your service. Accept the burden of leadership.
The Movement Starts Now
This is a call to youths and elders, professionals and farmers, traders, artisans, traditional rulers, and religious leaders across Niger State:
Rally around competence, not convenience.
Choose results over rhetoric.
Demand leadership, not excuses.
Let it be said that when Niger State stood at a crossroads, its people chose direction over drift, courage over comfort, and leadership over illusion.
2027 must be the year Niger State takes its future back.
And that future must begin with decisive, calm, and competent leadership.
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