Latest news with #MarchandMarch
TimesLIVE
2 hours ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Former Vuma FM presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma to lead anti-immigration march in Durban
Former Vuma FM presenter Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is stepping into the public spotlight again, this time at the helm of a controversial march against illegal immigration. Jacinta is spearheading the 'March and March' movement, a public protest set to take place on August 1 at Gugu Dlamini Park in Durban. The initiative, driven largely through social media mobilisation, aims to raise awareness about the perceived impact of illegal immigrants on communities. 'I've decided I won't sit back and be a spectator,' she said in an exclusive interview with TshisaLIVE. 'I want to be part of the change. That's how we started March and March, with people from social media, making sure we march until our voices are heard.' The broadcaster-turned-activist said her motivation stems from concerns raised by South Africans over the years, many of which she encountered through her work in radio.
eNCA
3 days ago
- eNCA
Operation Dudula targets Rosettenville's hijacked buildings
JOHANNESBURG - Tensions have flared up again in Rosettenville, in the south of Johannesburg. Operation Dudula, March and March, and other aligned groups, are back in the area, attempting to take over buildings they claim have been hijacked by foreign nationals. The groups say they are stepping in to reclaim spaces for South Africans, because the state has failed to put its citizens first. Rosettenville has been on the group's radar for some time, and this is not the first time they descended on the suburb. Operation Dudula accuses law enforcement of failing to act on crime and illegal occupation of properties. They claim hijacked buildings are being used as drug dens, harbouring criminal activity, and worsening the housing backlogs. As they tried to access some of the buildings, police intervened.
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
'Stop telling stories without facts': Gauteng Health MEC says foreigners pay for healthcare
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Rakehoko with chief executive of Tshwane District Hospital, Monene Mogashoa during the MEC's visit to the institution. Image: Jonisayi Maromo/IOL Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has criticised the vigilante blockages where activists have been blocking state-owned hospital entrances, demanding identification from patients and turning away foreign nationals. A week ago, IOL reported that 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, preventing alleged undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare. Speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika on Wednesday, Nkomo-Ralehoko said the South African government has agreements with some countries where funds are recouped for services provided to foreign nationals in South Africa. For immigrants who walk into hospitals in Gauteng, without any government recommendation, the MEC said they are subject to stipulated fees for medical care. 'Yes, we do have those agreements, and some of those agreements, the countries are paying. But individuals that come on their own accord in the hospitals, they do pay too. There is this notion that everybody that gets there (government hospitals), coming from foreign countries, is not paying, that is not true,' she said. 'Not everyone is not paying. Like South Africans, some come and do not have money, but we make arrangements even for anyone that comes to our institutions who does not have the R100 to pay. There is no such. 'That is why I always say, people sometimes must stop telling stories that they do not have facts about. They must come so that we are able to explain to them,' said the Health MEC. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading She said in many incidents, heavily pregnant women arrive at the healthcare facility, presenting an emergency, and turning them away because of nationality would be catastrophic for the mothers and unborn children. 'It is emergency cases, some of those people that come, that is why I get worried when people get turned away. Once it is an emergency, on that person, you don't have a choice, you can't stop that person,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. 'It is not right what you are doing, of violating other people's rights, you bring cameras so that you can show-off that indeed you are turning them back.' The MEC there are ongoing discussions with non-government organisations and different stakeholders. 'We have to resolve this issue, all of us as South Africans. We cannot be seen being xenophobic, targeting specific nations so that they cannot get these services,' she said. A week ago, IOL reported that the government had resolved to deploy Public Order Police to several public health facilities following a wave of protests in which foreign nationals were blocked from receiving medical care. Clashes were previously seen at Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Tshwane when police used stun grenades to disperse members of Operation Dudula who were vetting people entering the hospital. Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Media The South African Police Service, along with other law enforcement agencies, were implementing an operational plan to address protests by groups blocking foreign nationals' access to healthcare facilities. "The SAPS in collaboration with the Department of Health, is deploying Public Order Police to maintain law and order during the protests at the affected health facilities," said the government in a statement. The government added that law enforcement officials, working alongside the Department of Home Affairs, will continue to arrest and prosecute foreign nationals found to be in breach of the Immigration Act. This escalation comes amid growing pressure from groups such as Operation Dudula and March and March, who accuse the government of failing to address the country's migration challenges. These groups argue that foreign nationals are placing undue pressure on South Africa's public healthcare system. They want foreign nationals to be denied medical care. IOL News
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
KZN Health condemns vigilante protest blocking hospital access
The KZN Department of Health has condemned the 'abuse of public health services and unlawful acts of vigilantism' in relation to the ongoing protest outside Addington Hospital in Durban. Berea Mail reports that since the start of July, members of the March and March movement have stationed themselves at the gates of the hospital, checking the identity documents of people entering the government healthcare facility. March and March Durban leader Teresa Nortje said they were assisting government and healthcare workers at the South Beach-based hospital, which is 'overwhelmed by foreign nationals'. 'We are enforcing Section 17 of the South African Constitution,' said Nortje. 'If you want to use the clinic, you need to be a South African citizen and a valid taxpayer.' Non-South Africans are reportedly turned away and denied entry to the hospital. Health department condemns protest In a statement, the department condemned this, along with 'the actions of individuals and organised groups who take the law into their own hands by targeting health facilities and obstructing access to services'. According to KZN Health: 'As much as the department expresses concern over the undue burden placed on the system by undocumented migrants, we strongly reject unlawful actions that prevent any sick individual from receiving medical assistance. No member of the public or structure has the legal or moral authority to block others from accessing healthcare. These illegal actions are not only unconstitutional, but they also pose a serious risk to public health.' The department also addressed the issue of undocumented foreign nationals, stating: 'We unequivocally condemn undocumented foreign nationals who unlawfully cross into South Africa with the sole intention of unduly accessing our public health services. While our health institutions remain committed to upholding basic human rights and ethical healthcare standards, the increasing and unauthorised influx of undocumented individuals continues to place significant pressure on our already strained and underfunded public health system.' Healthcare rights outlined The Witness reports that KZN is currently battling outbreaks of measles, seasonal influenza, and new Covid-19 variants. 'Every sick person must be assessed and managed by health professionals, regardless of nationality,' said the department. It cited legislation guaranteeing access to health services: Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees the right to healthcare and emergency medical treatment for all. The National Health Act 61 of 2003 provides for access to primary healthcare, regardless of immigration status. The Refugees Act 130 of 1998 protects the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, including their right to medical care. The Immigration Act 13 of 2002 allows facilities to inquire about legal status but prohibits withholding emergency treatment. Mixed public reaction Berea Mail reports mixed reactions to the movement's protest, with some calling the campaign inhumane while others supported the cause. Crispin Hemson, a Durban resident who visited Addington Hospital, said: 'At the entrance my way was obstructed by unidentified people who were asking for IDs. I asked them what gave them the right to do this, and they said they were not allowing foreigners through, claiming Section 17 of the Constitution prohibited foreigners from using public hospitals. In reality, the Constitution does not state this at all. Section 17 is about the right to peaceful protest and states nothing about health facilities.' Conversely, Amanda Khuzwayo, who attended the Gateway clinic, said she was in and out within two hours. 'There used to be long queues and now it's quiet. This goes to show who was really benefiting from the clinic. It is sad that people are being turned away, but the results of the campaign speak for themselves.' Clarity on ID requirement confusion Meanwhile, The Witness reports the eThekwini Municipality has addressed social media confusion over a clinic notice that appeared to suggest patients without identity documents would be turned away. In a clarification, the City confirmed that ID requests are standard administrative practice during a first visit to open a patient file but are not a condition for receiving care. 'Once a file has been opened, patients are not required to bring their ID for future visits,' the statement read. The Department of Health has called on law enforcement agencies to act decisively against anyone obstructing access to health services and urged residents to raise concerns through lawful channels. 'Disrupting services endangers lives — especially those of vulnerable South Africans in critical condition — and undermines the very essence of public healthcare delivery.' Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
SA government condemns anti-foreigner protests at healthcare facilities
Residents of Atteridgeville, grouped under Concern Tshwane Residents, are protesting outside Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital, calling for undocumented foreigners to be barred from receiving healthcare services due to the alleged strain on public resources. Image: Supplied. 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. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 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.
