Zimbabwean Man's Death and the Escalating Crisis of Medical Xenophobia in South Africa
​A widely circulated claim that a Zimbabwean man died after being dragged from a hospital by members of the anti-immigrant group Operation Dudula has been debunked. A fact-check investigation found that the photo and story, which spread rapidly on social media, are related to a separate incident involving a man who is likely a South African citizen and who, in fact, survived.
​However, while this specific claim appears to be false, it has brought renewed and urgent attention to the very real and growing issue of "medical xenophobia" in South Africa. Operation Dudula and other anti-migrant groups have been actively targeting healthcare facilities, preventing foreign nationals from accessing services.
​The Reality on the Ground
​For several months, Operation Dudula has intensified its campaign, with members reportedly setting up at the entrances of public hospitals and clinics to "enforce" immigration laws. They have been accused of questioning patients about their nationality, demanding identity documents, and turning away those they deem to be foreign nationals.
​Human rights organizations and civil society groups, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), have raised alarm about the potentially fatal consequences of these actions. A recent MSF review found that at least 50 people, including pregnant women, have been denied access to healthcare in recent weeks.
​The South African government and health officials have condemned these actions, asserting that they are illegal and a violation of the country's constitution and the National Health Act, which guarantees healthcare access to everyone, regardless of nationality. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has stated that health workers have a legal and ethical responsibility to treat all patients. He has also warned that the actions of these groups undermine the rights of both migrants and South African nationals, as it is often impossible to distinguish between the two based on documentation alone.
​In response to the growing crisis, civil society groups are now pursuing legal action to compel authorities to take a stronger stance against the anti-migrant groups. They are working with organizations like Lawyers for Human Rights to seek an injunction that would require police to act and protect people's right to access healthcare.
​The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also called for the deployment of public order police to facilities where these groups are active, noting that while the public health system has its challenges, foreign nationals are not to blame. They argue that blaming migrants for systemic issues, such as corruption and mismanagement, is a dangerous distraction.
​Despite the widespread condemnation and legal threats, the leaders of Operation Dudula remain defiant. They have continued their operations, arguing that government-funded healthcare should be reserved for South African citizens. The situation highlights a deep-seated tension in South Africa, where xenophobic sentiments are often intertwined with legitimate concerns about a struggling public healthcare system.
