WATCH | Tension Rise As Police Pepper-Spray Operation Dudula Leader Amid Protest To Stop G20 Summit At Nasrec

Tensions escalated outside the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Monday as members of Operation Dudula gathered to protest against the G20 Leaders’ Summit holding in Johannesburg.

The group, which has been largely described as miscreants due to its unruly behaviour and lack of respect for law, insists the country should be prioritising urgent domestic challenges rather than hosting high-profile international events.

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Police dispersed the crowd with tear gas after protesters pushed against a restricted area. Members of the group argue that issues such as unemployment, immigration pressures, and corruption demand immediate government attention.

Operation Dudula maintains that staging global gatherings holds little value for ordinary South Africans who continue to face deepening socio-economic difficulties.

“The group obviously failed to understand that the activities of the G20 will have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary citizens, like the global health funding,” an eyewitness told SurgeZirc SA.

Police Respond With Tear Gas as Protesters Defy Restricted Zone

Dozens of protesters were met with a firm police response when they attempted to move beyond the designated protest area. Officers blocked their path, describing the attempt as a “breach”, before deploying tear gas and pepper spray to force the group back.

Just before the confrontation, the organisation’s leader, Zandile Dabula, outlined the group’s concerns.

“It’s meaningless to be hosting other countries when you can’t even do the right things for your own people. Yes, it’s a privilege that South Africa is the first African country to host, but it’s meaningless if we’re suffering.”

Moments later, Dabula was pepper-sprayed and escorted to her vehicle to recover.

Authorities Warn Against Disruption of International Event

Police have reiterated that security around the G20 Summit will be tightly enforced and that any disruptions will be dealt with swiftly. Officers stressed that they will not permit “lawlessness” during the gathering.

Operation Dudula members remain outside the venue, insisting that the government must turn its attention to South Africa’s pressing internal problems rather than focusing on global diplomacy.

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