Johannesburg – Gauteng’s Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has spoken out strongly against activist groups who have stationed themselves at the gates of public hospitals, turning away foreign nationals in the name of protest.
This comes after reports emerged of members from Operation Dudula and the March and March movement staging what they call “healthcare patrols” at several government health facilities across the province, including Addington Hospital, RK Khan Hospital, and Gateway Clinic. The activists are allegedly demanding identification from patients and denying access to those suspected of being undocumented foreigners.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko clarified that South Africa has existing agreements with various countries to recoup medical costs for foreign nationals treated in the country’s health institutions. She emphasized that while some immigrants are covered under these international agreements, others are billed directly for services, just like South African citizens who are unable to pay upfront.
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“There is a misleading narrative that foreign nationals receive free medical care in public hospitals. That is simply not true,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko. “Individuals who come without state-to-state arrangements are required to pay, and in emergency cases, we provide care first and deal with billing afterward, regardless of nationality.”
The MEC expressed deep concern over the ethical and legal implications of denying medical help, particularly in urgent cases such as pregnant women in distress. “Turning away someone in labour, or anyone in a life-threatening condition, is inhumane and unconstitutional,” she said.
She also criticized the public spectacle made by some of the groups. “Filming people at hospital entrances and showcasing their refusal of care isn’t activism—it’s a violation of human dignity,” she added.
The government has since responded to the situation by deploying Public Order Police to several affected clinics and hospitals to ensure access is not disrupted. In coordination with the Department of Home Affairs, law enforcement is also continuing to act against undocumented individuals who violate immigration laws, but the focus remains on preserving public safety and upholding the right to emergency healthcare.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of tackling immigration issues through legal and policy channels rather than through public confrontation. “We cannot allow ourselves to become a society that resorts to xenophobia or denies human rights based on nationality,” Nkomo-Ralehoko warned.
With mounting pressure from activist groups and increasing tensions at public health institutions, the Department of Health has committed to continued dialogue with civil society organizations and other stakeholders to find long-term, lawful solutions.
As the debate continues, the government urges the public to resist misinformation and refrain from participating in unlawful actions that jeopardize lives and compromise the healthcare system.
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