In recent weeks, health facilities in Johanneseburg, such as the Rosettenville Community Health Centre and the Hillbrow Clinic, have become focal points of tension. Vigilante groups operating under the “Put South Africa First” banner have been stationing themselves at clinic entrances, demanding proof of nationality and turning away those they identify as foreign nationals. This action has left many, including mothers with newborn babies needing vaccinations and post-operative care, stranded outside.
These actions are in direct violation of Section 27 of the South African Constitution, which guarantees everyone in the country the right to access basic healthcare services and explicitly states that no one may be denied emergency medical treatment. Furthermore, the Immigration Act grants only police and immigration officials the authority to request documentation.
The impact has been immediate, with patients being denied access to their medical records and clinic cards, which are necessary to seek care at other private facilities. Faith Maphosa, a new mother, was denied entry to the Rosettenville clinic where her 10-day-old baby was born. “I am hoping that they will eventually grow some compassion for my baby and let me in,” she stated, highlighting the human cost of the blockades.
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Government Inaction Blamed for Escalation
Operation Dudula has vowed to intensify its campaign, with its leader, Zandile Dabula, stating the group will not stop. Dabula argues that foreign nationals, particularly those who are undocumented, overburden the health system at the expense of South African taxpayers. T
he group has also announced a new partnership with traditional leaders to plan a national shutdown to protest what they see as government inaction on illegal immigration. This escalation by vigilante groups has been condemned by human rights organisations.
Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda, chairperson of the African Diaspora Network, places the blame for the escalating situation on the government. “The blame lies squarely on the government. The government is absent. It’s on leave,” he said in an interview with Salaamedia.
Dr. Sibanda warned that the failure to act decisively against these unlawful vigilante actions is creating a dangerous environment. “This is what’s going to lead to another outbreak of xenophobic attacks before it’s too long, because people are going to start fighting, simply because it is not being nipped in the bud.”
He stressed that the issue is not about preventing debate on immigration policy but about stopping unlawful, physical acts. “What we are addressing to now is an issue of the vigilantes, the act of being physical and preventing people against the law… taking the law into their own hands, like, you know, stopping somebody from accessing health care which they’re entitled to.”
In response, the government has condemned the actions of the vigilante groups and stated that police will be deployed to maintain law and order at affected facilities. However, law enforcement presence has been described as intermittent, arriving only as needed. The Gauteng Department of Health has acknowledged the matter is beyond its control and has formally requested police intervention.
Image: Rosettenville Community Health Centre. [EWN]
