By Regina Pasipanodya Operation Dudula has often been described as a grassroots response to economic hardship, a vigilante movement born from frustration over unemployment, poor public services, and perceived government failure. But what if that’s just part of the story? What if Dudula is more than a sign of economic despair? What if it reflects a deeper ideological divide: the weakening of pan-African values among young South Africans? Unlike Zimbabweans, who are known for welcoming everyone regardless of their background, South Africans have traditionally drawn firm boundaries. Pan-Africanism once served as a moral guide for African liberation, but this seems to be fading away. In the past, Pan-Africanism united freedom fighters across borders. It led Zimbabwe to shelter South African exiles during apartheid and inspired the founding of the African Union. Today, that unifying spirit seems broken.Young Dudula activists, many born after apartheid, are protesting against fellow Africans, particularly Zimbabweans, whom they see as threats to their nation’s prosperity. The rhetoric is harsh: “They’re stealing our jobs,” “They’re overloading our hospitals,” “They need to leave.” This isn’t just xenophobia; it’s Afrophobia. A Generational Shift Unlike previous generations, many young South Africans are growing up in a post-liberation era where solidarity has given way to survivalism. The ideals of ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are,” are being overshadowed by a transactional nationalism that places more value on borders than on brotherhood. This change hasn’t happened by chance. It stems from unfulfilled promises, economic stagnation, and political disillusionment. Dudula, therefore, isn’t simply a protest against migrants; it protests the idea of African unity itself. Ethical Erosion Pan-Africanism was never just about geography—it was about a shared future. It called for empathy, mutual respect, and the understanding that African problems demand African solutions. The rise of Dudula suggests that these values no longer matter. Instead, we see a moral void where exclusion is accepted, and violence is justified. The murder of Elvis Nyathi, a Zimbabwean migrant who was burned alive in Johannesburg, was not only a tragedy—it served as a warning. Recently, a mother gave birth to life on the pavements after being turned away from a hospital. This illustrated how easily the language of economic justice can turn into moral neglect. Regional Implications If young Africans no longer view each other as family, what does the future hold for regional integration? What happens to the African Continental Free Trade Area, cross-border collaborations, and shared infrastructure and migration agreements? The decline of pan-African values among youth threatens not just migrants; it endangers the very concept of Africa as a united venture. Operation Dudula may have started as a call for economic fairness, but it has become a symbol of ideological collapse. If we want to revive the dream of African unity, we must re-educate our youth—not only about history but also about ethics. Ubuntu should be more than just a saying; it should be a way of life. A plea to our beloved South Africa… Post navigation Defending Our Citizens, Upholding Ubuntu: Zimbabwe Must Lead with Dignity in the Face of Dudula Hostility “Education Without Inclusion Is Exclusion: Are We Really Leaving No One Behind?”