Dudula, AfriForum mull possible collaboration on SA’s borders

The two organisations are to discuss a possible collaboration on several issues including securing the country’s borders and farm murders.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Reef Hotel in Johannesburg on Thursday, Operation Dudula deputy chairperson Dan Radebe said the two organisations share similar views on border management.

“We don’t mind, we can join them in patrolling there. But, it’s not limited to that. We are still engaged on other matters where we share a common understanding where we can work together.”

He said crime on farms and food security is another common concern they share with Afriforum: “This is a very important issue that we can’t ignore, where we see the farming community is shrinking and that becomes as a threat to the food security of the country.” 

Radebe claims the majority of the farm murders are committed by illegal migrants, although he failed to provide the statistics to support his statement.

In a written response to JacarandaFM News, AfriForum’s spokesperson for community safety Jacques Broodryk confirmed they have been approached by Operation Dudula. 

“AfriForum has an open door policy regarding our involvement in the various causes we fight for. Operation Dudula approached us and we have had positive and open discussions with them about issues that affect the lives of the citizens of this country, including the serious challenges we face due to the SA government’s disinterest in securing our borders,” Broodryk said.

Meanwhile, when asked if they would consider working with government’s newly launched Border Management Authority (BMA), Radebe described the agency as a “joke” that they do not recognise. 

The BMA’s first cohort of 200 border guards was deployed to vulnerable border posts in July this year.