Dudula flags undocumented children at Kalafong Primary

JANE FURSE – Operation Dudula Movement (ODM) has expressed concerns over the alleged admission of majority of children without legal documents at some of public schools in Jane Furse and surrounding villages.

The movement claims that almost half of the learners admitted at Kalafong Primary School in Jane Furse are children of undocumented foreign nationals and lack proper documentation, with some community members alleging that foreign parents paid R2000-00 for their children’s’ priority admission.

“Our concern is that South African children are being overlooked for admissions while foreign children are being prioritized. We are not against the education of foreign children, but we believe that South African children should be given preference,” said ODM National Organiser, Davis Magolego.

Magolego also raised concerns about the alleged payment of R2000 to the school principal for priority admission, adding that this practice is unfair to local parents.

“Bribery is among the reasons Operation Dudula is campaigning against the enrolment of children without legal documents. We are not fighting anyone, we are just urging the Department of Education and school management to prioritize South African children over migrant children at the schools,” he said.

However, experts and court rulings emphasize that undocumented children have the right to basic education in South Africa.

The 2020 Phakamisa Judgment affirmed that undocumented learners must not be denied access to schools, and the South African Constitution guarantees the rights of all children, irrespective of nationality or immigration status.

Parliament’s Select Committee on Education has condemned Operation Dudula’s actions, warning that disrupting schools violates children’s constitutional rights.

Committee Chairperson Makhi Feni stated: “An undocumented child is not automatically an illegal child. To adopt a blanket approach of destruction is dangerous.”

ODM’s concerns come amid tensions between local and foreign communities in the Jane Furse area, with allegations of unfair treatment and prioritization of foreign nationals at schools and other public service facilities.

Dudula accuses authorities, including the police and the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Office of failing to exercise their duties to stop the influx of undocumented foreign nationals.

Magolego said lack of control has led to an “out of control” situation, with undocumented foreigners allegedly taking advantage and occupying many spaces in public schools taking opportunities away from South Africans.

“We believe that our children’s education should not be compromised by foreign nationals who do not have the necessary documents,” Magolego said.

Limpopo Department of Education Spokesperson, Mike Maringa, had not responded to the publication at the time of going to press.