Chaos erupted in Johannesburg on Tuesday as police clashed with demonstrators from Operation Dudula and the MK Party during a massive Dudula protest near Nasrec.
Officers fired stun grenades and rubber bullets after protesters breached barricades around the G20 security zone, leading to several arrests and injuries.
The unrest reflects growing frustration over immigration, unemployment, and failing municipal services.
What Happened
The Dudula protest began peacefully early in the morning, with hundreds of participants carrying national flags and chanting slogans against illegal immigration.
Organizers say the government ignored repeated calls to tighten border control and prioritize South African workers.
By midday, tensions rose when marchers moved closer to the Nasrec Expo Centre, where security restrictions remained in place following the recent G20 meetings.
Authorities declared the move unlawful and ordered dispersal, triggering confrontations as tear gas filled the air.
A Johannesburg police official said:
“Protesters attempted to break into a no-go zone established for global delegates. Officers responded with minimum force to restore order.”
Eyewitnesses reported running battles in nearby streets and smoke billowing from burning tires.
By late afternoon, calm had returned—but only after a heavy police presence pushed crowds back toward Soweto.
Operation Dudula’s Response
Leaders of Operation Dudula, a nationalist movement known for its anti-immigration campaigns, accused police of overreacting.
They said the demonstration was “deliberately isolated” from the summit area to prevent international attention.
Movement spokesperson Zandile Mbele claimed the protest was peaceful until officers “provoked the people.”
“We were given a field a kilometer away from Nasrec, where no one could see us,” she said.
“That’s not democracy; that’s censorship.”
Mbele demanded the immediate release of detained members and warned that more Dudula protests would follow if the government “continues protecting foreigners while citizens starve.”
Authorities have previously accused the movement of inciting xenophobic violence—an allegation the group denies.
Supporters insist their mission is to restore “economic justice” and national pride, not to target migrants.
MK Party Joins the Unrest
Members of the MK Party, a rising political faction inspired by South Africa’s liberation legacy, joined Tuesday’s march to protest poor governance and corruption.
Their presence, however, complicated the event’s message.
MK Party representative Nhlamulo Ndhlela said their involvement was not an endorsement of Operation Dudula’s stance but an expression of shared anger over inequality.
“People are tired of poverty and broken promises,” Ndhlela said.
“We march for accountability, not hatred.”
Several MK Party supporters were arrested after clashing with police, though the group claimed they were “defending themselves from aggression.”
Political analysts say the alliance of Operation Dudula and MK Party activists highlights a dangerous convergence between populist movements.
Political Context and Post-G20 Tensions
The Dudula protest came days after South Africa hosted world leaders for the G20 Summit, which ended amid widespread complaints about the cost of hosting and deteriorating city services.
Many residents say they see little improvement despite government spending.
Political expert Dr. Busisiwe Mkhize explained that the latest clashes reflect a deeper frustration beyond immigration.
“This is about dignity, jobs, and a sense of exclusion,” she said.
“Operation Dudula channels that anger—sometimes destructively—while the MK Party capitalizes on disillusionment with mainstream politics.”
The government faces mounting pressure to restore confidence as public anger spreads from Gauteng to other provinces.
Protests have also intensified in Pretoria and Durban, echoing similar demands for service delivery and employment reform.
Police and Government Reaction
Police confirmed at least nine arrests on charges of public disturbance, vandalism, and resisting authority.
Videos circulating online show officers firing rubber bullets as demonstrators throw stones and plastic bottles.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla defended law enforcement’s actions, stating that officers followed standard riot-control procedures.
“We had no choice but to respond when crowds attempted to storm restricted areas. Violence will never be tolerated.”
The Department of Home Affairs released a brief statement acknowledging “public frustration” over immigration but condemned “vigilante actions and hate speech.”
Government spokesperson Phumla Williams added that the administration is reviewing new border enforcement measures aimed at reducing illegal migration while preserving human rights.
“We recognize the need for firm but fair solutions,” Williams said.
“But no protest justifies lawlessness or xenophobic rhetoric.”
Human Rights and Civil Society Response
Human rights groups condemned both the violence and the anti-immigrant language used by some protesters.
The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) called for restraint and dialogue rather than confrontation.
“South Africa cannot solve its economic crisis by blaming migrants,” said CoRMSA chair Sibusiso Kasa.
“We urge leaders to tackle corruption and unemployment instead of targeting vulnerable people.”
Several civil organizations have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to initiate a national forum addressing the link between social anger and xenophobia.
Analysts say failing to do so could embolden more radical groups before next year’s elections.
Social Media Reaction
The clashes dominated online discussions through hashtags like #DudulaProtest, #NasrecUnrest, and #MKParty, amassing millions of impressions within hours.
Supporters framed the protest as a “stand for citizens,” while critics denounced it as “organized hate.”
One viral post read:
“If government won’t listen, the streets will speak.”
Another countered:
“Marching against foreigners won’t fix broken leadership.”
Social media researchers warned that misinformation was spreading fast, with unrelated videos being re-shared under protest hashtags to stoke division.
Wider Political Fallout
The MK Party’s role in the protest sparked outrage from other political players.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) labeled the event “reckless populism,” accusing MK leaders of “exploiting public suffering.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) dismissed both groups as “agents of chaos diverting attention from real reform.”
The African National Congress (ANC) condemned the violence and urged law enforcement to “act decisively against those promoting instability.”
A statement from ANC headquarters read:
“No cause justifies attacking police or spreading fear among communities.”
Observers say the incident underscores how immigration has become a flashpoint issue that could reshape South Africa’s political landscape heading into 2026.
What Happens Next
Authorities have announced a joint task force to investigate the Nasrec clashes and review police conduct.
Community leaders from both Operation Dudula and the MK Party have been invited to mediation talks later this week.
Despite the crackdown, Operation Dudula says it will stage another march in central Johannesburg next month, promising it will be “peaceful but louder.”
MK Party officials have not confirmed participation but hinted that they may organize their own rallies focusing on unemployment and corruption.
Analysts warn that tensions are likely to persist unless concrete solutions emerge.
“Protests are becoming the default expression of anger,” said Dr. Mkhize.
“Without dialogue, we risk another wave of unrest that could spill beyond Gauteng.”
