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
Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice
The Ajiran community of Lagos State erupted in a powerful protest on Tuesday as local youths took to the streets to express their grief and anger over the tragic murders of Prince Ademola Akintoye and Sherrif Agboworin. The demonstration follows the recent decision to reopen the murder case, an investigation that has already led to the arrest of over nine suspects in connection with the heinous crimes committed more than a year ago.
Carrying vibrant banners and poignant posters featuring the faces of the deceased, the protesters marched through the heart of their community while singing somber dirges to honor their memory. With chants of unity and justice ringing in the air, they called on both the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that those responsible are swiftly and decisively brought to justice.
The youth leaders emphasized that peace and normalcy will remain elusive in Ajiran until all those complicit in the killings are held accountable. They articulated that true justice is the only way to restore tranquility and honor the lives of Akintoye and Agboworin, whom they described as innocent victims of a grave injustice.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, youth leader Mr. Kehinde Oladele urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. He asserted that every individual involved including the nine arrested suspects must face the full extent of the law. Especially Hammed Tajudeen, the principal suspect mentioned by others in custody, whom they believe should not escape scrutiny.
“The reopening of this case after more than a year is a critical first step towards achieving justice and fairness for our brothers,” Oladele said. “We urge the police to get to the root of the matter. Those mentioned during the investigation, especially Hammed Tajudeen, should not be spared.”
The atmosphere in the community grew increasingly tense last week following speculation that prominent businessman Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede was implicated in the unrest. The speculation appeared to stem from his alleged influence on the reopening of the murder investigation. This misunderstanding escalated when a group of protesters targeted his filling station in Ikate, vandalizing his properties and disrupting business operations in the gas station based on the false assumption that Fakorede was behind the police’s renewed inquiries.
In response to the rising tensions and misinformation, Fakorede’s spokesperson, Ola Muhammed, issued a comprehensive statement denying any connection between Fakorede and the unrest. The spokesperson emphasized that rumors suggesting the businessman orchestrated the revival of the murder case were completely unfounded.
“I feel it is crucial to clarify, for the sake of transparency and historical accuracy, that this entire ordeal is in no way related to me,” Fakorede stated. “I am also very interested to see that the culprits are brought to book. I categorically affirm that I have never been involved in any business dealings with Mr. Hammed Tajudeen.”
Fakorede further elaborated that the recent protests which led to the destruction of his property were reportedly instigated by Tajudeen and others who seem determined to manipulate the narrative and cast suspicion upon him. Fakorede expressed his own strong commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding the deaths.
As the police investigation progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that all accusing fingers are pointing to Hammed Tajudeen who is currently evading capture, adding another layer of complexity and urgency to the ongoing situation. Community members have questioned why he remains at large instead of submitting himself to the police for questioning if he is truly innocent of the allegations against him.
Community leaders are now emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the root causes of the unrest and work toward restoring harmony within Ajiran, even as the demand for justice remains at the forefront of public consciousness.
Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims
As the holy month of Ramadan begins across the globe, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Limited, Dr. Abdulmajeed Oladele, has extended his heartfelt greetings to Muslims worldwide.
In his message, the respected business mogul expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of witnessing this year’s sacred month.
“We glorify Allah for granting us the grace and opportunity to witness this year’s month of blessings. Ramadan is a sacred and special month for all Muslims, a month greater than many others, filled with piety, mercy, and abundant blessings.
I congratulate all Muslims across the world. Let us faithfully observe the requirements of Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) grant our heart’s desires and make this period easy and rewarding for us all.”
Dr. Oladele urged Muslims to embrace the spiritual significance of Ramadan through devotion, charity, self-discipline, and prayers for peace and prosperity.
UKA UNVEILS THREE-TIER ATC PLATFORM AS MONARCH ANNOUNCES $10BN GOLD-BACKED MILESTONE
Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning declares global recognition of ATC ecosystem, urges citizens and partners to embrace unified digital, crypto and gold-backed financial structure
The Reigning Monarch of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning, has formally announced what he described as a historic milestone in the financial evolution of the Atlantis nation and empire worldwide, the consolidation and global recognition of the ATC financial ecosystem backed by a $10 billion gold reserve.
In a voice message released from the Office of the Throne, the Monarch expressed gratitude to God and to citizens and partners across the globe for what he termed a “defining achievement” in the journey of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
According to him, the ATC asset structure, supported by a $10 billion gold-backed certificate, has now been positioned among the world’s leading capitalisation financial platforms, ranking number 12 globally.
“We appreciate God for the milestone achieved of our 10 billion gold-backed certificate of ATC assets. We are delighted to inform our esteemed citizens, partners, viewers and friends all over the world that ATC has come to stay,” the Monarch declared.
Three Distinct but Interconnected ATC Platforms
Emperor Winning explained that the UKA Government and the Atlantis nation have officially released three integrated ATC platforms to the general public. He emphasised that while each platform serves a distinct purpose, they are structured to interact seamlessly for effective management, business transactions and global trading operations.
1.ATC Digital (Government Platform)
The first platform, known as ATC Digital, is the official government-backed digital transaction system. It is designed to facilitate digital financial operations within the UKA ecosystem and serve as the administrative and transactional backbone of the nation’s digital economy.
The Monarch described it as the formally recognised digital framework governed directly by the government under the Throne.
ATC Gold Version (Business and Trade Platform). The second platform, referred to as the ATC Gold Version, is primarily tailored for business trade, commercial exchange and transactional fluidity. It is structured to enhance business-to-business engagement, exchangeability and broader economic interaction.
“This version is mainly for business trade, business exchange and commercial transactions,” he clarified.
ATC Crown Coin (Crypto and Visitor Platform)
The third platform, known as the ATC Crown Coin, represents the Atlantis Crown Coin and is linked to what the monarch described as the Atlantean Bank Gold structure. This version operates as a crypto and digital hybrid, including visitor engagement capabilities and broader exchange functions.
(atlantisgoldbank.org
The Digital/Cryto currency Version
Atlantian Crown Gold (E-ATC) https://share.google/a7Jns9VtrMKCZ6Prk
The E-ATC purely for Trading and Exchang
Atlantean Crown (ATC) – The Future of Digital Currency https://share.google/1EhdkkDBFvBLLgfR1
The Digital version for Government
We also Have DEOS INTERNATIONAL Bank (DIB)
And ATCB)
The Monarch indicated that all three platforms are interconnected to ensure efficiency, transparency and global recognition.
“Please do not be confused. The United Kingdom of Atlantis has three major versions of ATC. Two are crypto-based, one is digital; one is also a hybrid of crypto and digital. All three interact together for effective management and effective business transactions.”
Global Recognition and Expansion Vision
Emperor Winning further asserted that the ATC ecosystem is already recognised internationally and positioned within the global financial framework. “Our platforms are presently recognised in the whole world,” he said, while encouraging existing holders of ATC assets to remain confident in the system.
He congratulated all ATC holders and reiterated the Throne’s commitment to strengthening the ecosystem’s credibility, usability and cross-platform functionality.
A Strategic Financial Architecture
Observers say the three-tier structure reflects an attempt by the United Kingdom of Atlantis to create a multi-layered financial architecture combining government-regulated digital systems, crypto-based trade platforms and gold-backed reserve credibility.
By integrating digital governance with cryptocurrency and gold certification, the UKA appears to be positioning ATC as both a sovereign-backed asset and a tradable global instrument.
As the UKA advances its financial ambitions, the monarch’s message signals a push for adoption, participation and global engagement with the ATC ecosystem.
“If you are a holder of ATC, congratulations to you from the Throne. God bless you,” the monarch concluded.
The development marks another significant chapter in the evolving digital and gold-backed finance narrative emerging from the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth