ZIMBABWEANS living in South Africa have slammed Operation Dudula following its efforts to intimidate members of the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) through planned action targeting foreigners.
In a statement released this week, the Africa Diaspora Forum executive secretary for media and publicity, Bongani Mkhwananzi, expressed solidarity with SERI.
“The Africa Diaspora Forum expresses its deep and unwavering solidarity with the Socio Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) following efforts to intimidate the organisation through planned actions by Operation Dudula and other anti-migrant groups.
“SERI’s consistent defence of the rights of informal settlement dwellers, street traders, poor households and migrant communities reflects the very best of South Africa’s constitutional promise.
“In standing up for the voiceless and vulnerable, SERI strengthens the entire framework of justice and equality not just for some, but for all,” Mkhwananzi said.
He said the Africa Diaspora Forum strongly denounced all forms of xenophobia, fear-mongering and intimidation directed at human rights defenders.
“These actions undermine the rule of law and attempt to sow division in a society already grappling with inequality and exclusion.
“It is important to reflect that South Africa’s democracy was hard-won and human rights organisations were central to that victory. They stood firm in the struggle against apartheid and continue today to defend the rights of all people, regardless of origin, status or wealth,” Mkhwananzi said.
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He said those who felt anger or fear in today’s difficult economic climate should not misdirect their frustrations towards the very institutions that upheld their collective freedoms.
“We urge those opposing SERI’s work to consider that human rights protections benefit everyone. In times of injustice, whether faced by migrants or citizens, it is often these same organisations that provide support, legal representation and advocacy. Silencing them harms not just the marginalised, but the democratic space we all rely on,” Mkhwananzi said.
“We deeply value your courage and principled work. Your presence affirms the dignity and humanity of thousands across this country and we are proud to stand beside you.
