Anti-Migrant Group Blocks Foreigners from Accessing Healthcare in South Africa
3 min read
Tension at Diepsloot Clinic
A community clinic just north of Johannesburg has become the latest battleground in a growing national debate over whether foreigners should be allowed access to public healthcare in South Africa. Activists from the anti-migrant movement Operation Dudula have been blocking foreign nationals from entering clinics and hospitals, demanding that only South African citizens receive care.
What started as a small local action in 2022 has spread to multiple provinces, including Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. At the entrance of the Diepsloot clinic, activists check identity documents and turn away anyone who does not have a South African ID.
Migrants Denied Access
Zimbabwean national Sicelokuhle Moyo has lived in South Africa since 2006. But on a recent Thursday morning, when she arrived at the clinic to collect her chronic medication, she was stopped at the gate.
“I said that I had a passport. They said they don’t take passports. They want IDs only,” she recalled. Like many others, Moyo was forced to wait by the roadside, uncertain of how to access essential treatment.
Mozambican migrant Tendai Musvava faced a similar fate. “I was standing in the queue and then they said they only need people with IDs. I can’t get my medication because I don’t have an ID,” she said, her voice heavy with frustration.
Rising Xenophobia and Political Ambitions
South Africa hosts about 2.4 million migrants — less than 4% of its population. Many come from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. However, xenophobia has long been an issue in the country, often erupting into violence.
Operation Dudula, once an activist movement accused of using intimidation and force, is now a registered political party. Its leader, Zandile Dabula, insists their actions are justified. “We want prioritisation of South Africans. Emergency care—we understand that you must be treated—but if you are illegal, you must be handed over to the law enforcers,” she told BBC.
Constitutional Rights vs Resource Scarcity
South Africa’s constitution guarantees the right to access healthcare for everyone, regardless of nationality or immigration status. However, Operation Dudula argues that the public health system is already overwhelmed, serving nearly 85% of the population.
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“Life comes first, we don’t deny that, but it cannot be a freebie for everyone. We cannot cater for the whole globe. We don’t have enough,” Dabula added.
The organisation’s methods have gained support from some Diepsloot residents, who claim shorter queues and better availability of medication since the campaign began. “The previous time when I was here, the queue was very long. But this time around, it only took me a couple of minutes to get my stuff,” said resident Sipho Mohale.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Not everyone agrees with the campaign. “To have a group that is not sanctioned by the state to make decisions about who gets in and who gets out is deeply problematic,” said Fatima Hassan of the Health Justice Initiative.
Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla has also condemned the practice: “We don’t agree with that approach because health is a human right. You don’t organise services through bullying methods.”
Attempts by the South African Human Rights Commission to stop the campaign in court have failed on technical grounds, allowing the movement to continue.
Police Response and Expanding Campaign
Although several members of Operation Dudula have been arrested for blocking clinic entrances, they were later released with warnings. Law enforcement says resources are stretched, making it difficult to respond to every incident.
Meanwhile, Operation Dudula is expanding its campaign to schools, arguing it is part of their “fight against illegal immigration.”
Migrants Forced to Find Alternatives
For many migrants, the consequences are dire. “I think I’ll have to go to the doctor. I will pay the money. I will have to sacrifice to get it,” said Musvava, who was turned away from the clinic. She doesn’t know how much private care will cost but she has no choice.
Source: bbc.com
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