South African police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a crowd of Operation Dudula protesters on Saturday after the anti-migrant group breached a security zone surrounding the G20 summit venue.
The demonstration, organized by the group Operation Dudula, was intended to draw global attention to local challenges, including high crime and unemployment, which members blame on foreign nationals. The protest turned confrontational when the crowd moved beyond the designated protest area, leading to a clash with law enforcement.
“We are tired of foreigners and the president is not addressing this issue,” one protester said, expressing a sentiment echoed by the group. “That’s why we are here today because we want him to talk about it. We want those presidents from other countries to advise him to close your borders so that there’s law and order in your country.”
The group had expressed dissatisfaction with the official protest zone, which was located approximately one kilometer from the summit venue. Protesters argued that the distance rendered their demonstration meaningless and inaudible to the international delegates inside.
“These are international presidents that are here,” another protester stated. “These are the matters that we are all going through… The decisions that are being made there are about us. If we are here, who’s going to see our message?”
Following the breach of the security perimeter, police moved in to disperse the crowd. According to a police spokesperson, two Operation Dudula members were arrested. A case has been registered against the group for public violence, assault of a police officer, and contravention of a court order.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in South Africa surrounding migration and economic challenges, which Operation Dudula has repeatedly brought to the forefront through its activism.