MSF Southern Africa sounds the alarm
READ: Operation Dudula members arrested for blocking access to clinic released on warning
Medical humanitarian group, Doctors Without Borders, has stepped into the debate, voicing serious concern over what they call an escalating crisis. Head of operational support unit at MSF Southern Africa, Claire Waterhouse, discussed this with eNCA.
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The Herald
a day ago
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Department disapproves of Operation Dudula's activities at health facilities
The department of health has reached out to the leadership of Operation Dudula for a meeting after the organisation denied foreigners access to public health care facilities. The operation has been targeting foreign nationals in public health facilities, alleging they are placing additional pressure on an already stretched health care system. 'As the department, we have noted the ongoing protest action happening around our health care facilities by members of Operation Dudula and other organised groups. 'We do not condone these actions, which serve to interfere with the provision of health care services in our health facilities,' health department spokesperson Foster Mohale said. Mohale said the concern of Operation Dudula was a societal issue. 'It is not mainly about health, but we believe that with sober minds we can find a long-lasting solution,' he said. TimesLIVE
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Operation Dudula women released on warning after clinic incident
Authorities released three Operation Dudula members on a warning despite pending charges for disrupting services at Lilian Ngoyi Clinic in Soweto by demanding patients show identity documents. Authorities released the women on a warning, even though they face charges for interfering with healthcare access. They entered the Lilian Ngoyi Clinic in Diepkloof, Soweto, and demanded that patients produce identity documents to prove their nationality. The women reportedly disrupted services by questioning patients inside the maternity ward. The suspects allegedly locked themselves inside one of the labour wards. Their actions made staff and patients feel that the suspects violated their rights. Police were called and arrested the women. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the suspects face charges including contravention of the National Health Act and public violence. Since June, Operation Dudula has campaigned nationwide to stop undocumented foreign nationals from accessing public healthcare. They argue that the system struggles under heavy demand and that South African citizens must come first. Their actions have sparked both criticism from the government and human rights groups, and support from some community members. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
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Operation Dudula to meet health minister Motsoaledi over foreigners' access to public healthcare
Operation Dudula has confirmed it will meet with the health department to discuss the issue of foreign nationals' access to healthcare services. The anti-migrant group has been blocking undocumented foreigners from receiving medical care in public clinics and hospitals, claiming they are adding pressure to the already overburdened healthcare system. The group said it is preparing to meet health minister Aaron Motsoaledi to discuss the issue and 'demand fair access to healthcare for South African citizens'. 'Our goal is clear: to protect our people's rights and ensure public services prioritise South Africans first.' On Monday, Operation Dudula members attempted to shut down the Lilian Ngoyi Community Health Centre in Diepkloof. 'Our action was to highlight the growing concern around healthcare access for foreign nationals that is impacting our local communities.' The campaign has received disapproval from the health department. Last week, three members of Operation Dudula were arrested for enforcing the campaign. They were released on bail on Monday. Despite that, the group has vowed to continue blocking undocumented foreigners from accessing public healthcare facilities. 'Operation Dudula is taking a firm stand to protect South African public facilities for South African citizens and documented foreign nationals only. 'We will continue to intensify our campaign to ensure our resources are preserved for those who legally belong here. Public hospitals and other government services must serve South Africans first. 'We urge the government to support the cause and take decisive action to restore order and fairness.'
