In Conversation With Thami Madondo Operation Dudula Representative
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The Department of Home Affairs has intensified immigration enforcement through Operation New Broom, a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying, detaining and processing undocumented foreign nationals. Government says the operation is about restoring the rule of law, addressing visa overstays, combating fraud in the immigration system, and strengthening national security.
Home Affairs maintains that the operation is lawful, intelligence-led, and aligned with South Africa’s Immigration Act. Officials argue that consistent enforcement is necessary to protect public services, formalise migration systems, and prevent exploitation linked to undocumented labour.
However, Operation New Broom has also sparked criticism.
Some civil society groups question whether enforcement disproportionately targets African migrants in informal settlements and inner cities, while visa overstayers from Europe, Asia and the Americas receive less public scrutiny. In Cape Town, public debates about foreigners often centre on digital nomads, remote workers and property investors allegedly contributing to housing inflation — yet the tone of that debate differs significantly from enforcement operations in Johannesburg’s CBD.
Home Affairs maintains that the operation is lawful, intelligence-led, and aligned with South Africa’s Immigration Act. Officials argue that consistent enforcement is necessary to protect public services, formalise migration systems, and prevent exploitation linked to undocumented labour.
However, Operation New Broom has also sparked criticism.
Some civil society groups question whether enforcement disproportionately targets African migrants in informal settlements and inner cities, while visa overstayers from Europe, Asia and the Americas receive less public scrutiny. In Cape Town, public debates about foreigners often centre on digital nomads, remote workers and property investors allegedly contributing to housing inflation — yet the tone of that debate differs significantly from enforcement operations in Johannesburg’s CBD.
