Tensions escalated on the streets of Durban on Wednesday. Several anti-immigrant groups protested against foreigners' access to public health facilities, accusing them of overwhelming an already strained system.
This mobilization is part of a persistent wave of xenophobia in South Africa, where the issue of migration regularly fuels social and political tensions. The March & March movement, like Operation Dudula, is increasing its on-the-ground actions. Its members position themselves in front of public health facilities, filter entrances, and check identity documents.
A practice denounced as discriminatory, but one that is gaining ground despite its sometimes violent consequences. Jacinta Ngobeze-Zuma , leader of the March & March movement, is outraged: “Why do they continue to use our public infrastructure? Make them pay for their own healthcare if they want to stay in this country.” In Durban, protesters marched behind slogans such as “Take back our country” and “No to illegal immigration . ”
After targeting street vendors and foreign students, these groups are now attacking a sensitive sector: healthcare. In response to these actions, the Johannesburg High Court has ruled that these practices are illegal.
The South African government, for its part, reaffirms that access to healthcare remains a guaranteed right for any person present on the territory, regardless of their status.
