The South African High Commission in Maputo has assured Mozambicans living in South Africa that they will be protected from attacks linked to the so-called “Operation Dudula”, local media reports.
High Commissioner Puleng Chaba said the government in Pretoria would hold accountable those involved in the movement, which in recent weeks has carried out expulsions of foreign nationals and restricted access to basic services.
For the past three weeks, groups of activists and local communities have enforced “Operation Dudula”, an initiative aimed at preventing foreigners, including Mozambicans, from accessing public hospitals and schools, as well as organising evictions in peripheral neighbourhoods.
Distancing the government from these practices, Chaba stressed that South Africa does not condone violence, saying social and economic challenges must be resolved through dialogue.
“The government does not support this approach. We have always been known as a government that seeks to negotiate and discuss problems in an attempt to resolve them. We do not encourage crime, we do not encourage violence, but rather the enforcement of the law,” he said.
The High Commissioner emphasised that all those involved in “Operation Dudula” would be brought to justice, adding that state institutions had already been mobilised to guarantee stability.
“The government will use all its powers to ensure that those involved are held accountable. Our goal is to continue building a society that addresses its problems through dialogue and negotiation,” Chaba added.
He also assured that Mozambicans and other foreign nationals would receive the same protection as South African citizens, urging communities to report incidents directly to local authorities. Addressing reports of restricted access to services, the diplomat said the government had mobilised resources to mitigate the impact and ensure affected communities were not left without support.
Trade Between Mozambique and South Africa Exceeds $2 Billion
Despite these tensions, Mozambique remains South Africa’s largest trading partner in the region and on the continent, with annual trade volumes surpassing US$2 billion.
Mozambique’s main exports to South Africa include aluminium from Mozal, which accounts for 40% of total exports, electricity from Cahora Bassa, agricultural products such as cotton, sugar and tobacco, as well as minerals like titanium and gemstones.
In return, Mozambique’s imports from South Africa are dominated by vehicles and transport equipment (20%), processed foods, electrical goods, agricultural and construction machinery, chemicals and generic medicines.
The diplomat, according to Mozambican press, noted that South Africa is Mozambique’s largest trading partner in the region, while Mozambique ranks among the top African destinations for South African exports.
