ANTI-IMMIGRANT GROUP BLOCKS IMMIGRANTS FROM ACCESSING HEALTHCARE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Tensions over immigration in South Africa have escalated as the anti-migrant group, Operation Dudula continues blocking foreign nationals from accessing public health clinics.
Members dressed in military-style uniforms have been stationed at clinic entrances across Gauteng Province, demanding identity documents, turning away sick patients and mothers with children despite a Johannesburg High Court ruling declaring their actions unlawful.
South African government has insisted that health care is guaranteed for everyone under the law, and officials, including Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, have condemned the group’s activities.
Security has been deployed to clinics, and several Operation Dudula members were recently arrested after entering a maternity ward and demanding patients’ documents.
Operation Dudula’s rise comes amid widespread unemployment and growing anti-migrant sentiment in a country that hosts an estimated 2.4 million foreign nationals. South African Human Rights Commission, warned that its actions mirror global increases in xenophobia.