SA government condemns anti-foreigner protests at healthcare facilities

In a strong response to a rising tide of anti-foreigner sentiment that has erupted in Gauteng and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, along with the National Department of Health and the South African government, has condemned alarming actions that prevent foreign nationals from accessing essential healthcare services. 

This week, members of Operation Dudula in Gauteng and members of the March and March movement began their campaign of manning the gates of government clinics and hospitals, including Addington Hospital, Gateway Clinic and RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, in a bid to prevent alleged undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare.

In an interview with IOL, the spokesperson for the Department of Health, Foster Mohale, said while the department does not condone illegal migration, the actions of the activist groups are concerning.

“We have noted with concern illegal actions around some parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, in which individuals and organised groups prevent healthcare users, especially illegal migrants from accessing health services,” said Mohale.

Mohale also condemned those who have come to the country illegally stating: "We also condemn people who illegally cross the border into South Africa specifically to access healthcare services. 

“We urge those with concerns about this societal problem to raise them within the confines of the law instead of taking the law into their own hands because you cannot solve crime through illegal activities which may end you in jail,” he said.

In a statement, the government indicated that it has noted with serious concern the reported incidents where certain groups and communities have blocked foreign nationals from accessing healthcare services at public facilities.

"While the government understands the genuine frustrations of many citizens regarding the pressures on public services, including overburdened clinics and exhausted healthcare workers, members of the public are urged to raise such concerns through lawful and appropriate channels. Taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable and undermines the values enshrined in our democratic Constitution.

"Such actions stand in direct violation of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which affirms the foundational values of human dignity, equality, and the advancement of human rights and freedoms. Section 27(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, clearly provides that: “Everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services”. This right is not subject to an individual’s nationality or immigration status. Denying individuals healthcare based on their origin is a violation of our laws and values as a nation. Additionally, South Africa is a signatory to several regional and international agreements that aim to ensure access to healthcare for its citizens and, in some cases, for individuals within its borders," the government said.

Nkomo-Ralehoko indicated that her department has begun engaging concerned community-based organisations involved in the campaign.

"We have had some meetings with some of the people who have shown their dissatisfaction with the people who have come to our institutions and who are not South Africans. However, our Constitution allows everybody to access healthcare services. So, it becomes difficult for us to chase people away," she said.

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