Watch: Chaos as Operation Dudula protesters BURN EFF flags!

Tensions reached fever pitch outside of the Kalafong Hospital on Thursday - and EFF flags were set ablaze by Operation Dudula members.

Sep 1, 2022 - 16:03
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Watch: Chaos as Operation Dudula protesters BURN EFF flags!

Protesters representing the anti-immigrant Operation Dudula group poured more fuel onto the fire earlier today, when they torched a set of EFF flags outside of the Kalafong Hospital in Tshwane. Violent clashes with counter-protesters also took place.

EFF Flags
EFF flags were burnt in protest, escalating tensions in Tshwane – Photo: Twitter

Operation Dudula supporters set fire to EFF flag

Operation Dudula have been rallying against the number of illegal immigrants who are admitted to South African hospitals. This comes just a week after Limpopo’s Health MEC went viral for berating a Zimbabwean patient in a local hospital – claiming they were ‘a drain on funds’.

The group has also been checking the papers of people needing to use the hospital on Thursday. EFF members turned up this morning, and things got much more fractious. The far-left party are largely sympathetic towards illegal immigrants, directly opposing Dudula’s mantras.

WATCH: EFF flag burns as tensions rise outside Kalafong Hospital

There was a coming together of both demonstrators, and scuffles have been reported outside of Kalafong Hospital. Sjamboks were used by some Dudula representatives, forcing EFF members to flee the scene and seek safety.

Police have deployed special units to defuse the tensions, and Health Minister Joe Phaahla is also present on the ground. However, they were powerless to prevent this flag from burning – and the ultimate insult was dished out to the Red Berets.

Kalafong Hospital: Latest news and updates for Thursday 1 September

As previously reported, Operation Dudula members were allegedly using skin colour and language to ascertain if one is South African or not and if they will get access to healthcare services. This has been the case in other clinics and hospitals in Gauteng, especially in Johannesburg.

The Department of Health said it cautions against any individual or organisations whose actions pose a threat on the lives of health workers and patients. It also promised to accordingly together with the law enforcement agencies.