“This Gives Me Hope”: Woman Shows Thembisa Clinic After Removal of Foreign Nationals, SA Impressed

• A local woman filmed an empty clinic, claiming that it was due to the removal of foreign nationals, sparking major reactions online
• The clip, showing a deserted medical facility with a handful of patients, was shared on the popular video platform TikTok
• Social media users expressed mixed feelings, with some celebrating the alleged outcome and others voicing concerns

A video showing an empty clinic, with claims that its quiet state was due to the removal of foreign nationals, went viral online.

The clip shared on TikTok by @madimkhonze.seeme attracted widespread attention and a range of opinions from viewers.

In the video, a woman walks through what appears to be a public clinic in Thembisa, pointing out the lack of patients. She states that the facility is notably empty after foreign nationals were allegedly chased away. The Action SA member describes the situation as "spring cleaning," proudly noting that it was day seven of their mission.

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She also expresses satisfaction with how things were progressing, observing that it was just after 9 am and the clinic remained empty. Her message suggests a direct link between the absence of foreign nationals and the newly quiet environment of the medical facility.

Mzansi debates the clinic's emptiness

The clip generated a strong response online, dividing social media users. Many commenters expressed happiness that South Africans had stood up and reacted to the issues of undocumented foreigners, stating it was about time for such action. Some individuals identified themselves as nurses and thanked the people involved in the mission, claiming they now had more personal time, no longer arriving home exhausted.

A significant number, however, voiced serious worries about potential job losses and scarcity in the healthcare sector. They argued that if clinics were no longer full, there would be no need for additional staff, and that may lead to fewer job opportunities for medical graduates.

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User @tshitateli added:

"I'm a nurse at a local clinic, and at least when I knock off, I'm able to have time with my family. Before, when I reached home, I went straight to bed, thanks patriots."

User @Nicholas shared:

"The private doctors and clinics are now making a lot of money. And these doctors who work here are going to be making more money in their clinics. At the end of the day, your government will not be employing any nurses or doctors because there is no pressure of work."

User @BerniceB commented:

"People are going to get retrenched, and unemployment is going to increase. Pros and cons."

User @Sthe_Ndlovu

"We used to be visited by nurses and Omama Colgate giving health tips in schools, bringing toothbrushes🪥 and toothpastes, kwaphela konke (it all ended). Our hospitals and clinics have been overwhelmed with a huge number of patients. Siyabonga bo (thanks guys)."

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User @NeneCarol 77 added:

"Job well done."

User @Nikki said:

"Halala South Africa, Halala!👏👌🔥❤️The only project I am certain of🤞. This gives me hope🙏."

Watch the TikTok video below:

Foreign nationals in South Africa have recently been denied access to public healthcare facilities by protest groups, including Operation Dudula. They were blocked from entering clinics and hospitals. On 5 July 5, the government condemned these actions, noting that Section 27(1) of the Constitution guarantees healthcare access regardless of nationality, and emphasised that such blockades violate human dignity and constitutional rights. The government says the police have been deployed at affected facilities to maintain order:

"Law enforcement will continue to apply the zero tolerance approach for lawlessness, with decisive action taken against individuals taking the law into their own hands and intimidating patients at health facilities."

Also, the state continues strengthening health system capacity and working on lawful immigration enforcement. Communities are urged to voice concerns through lawful channels, not via intimidation or exclusion.

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3 Briefly News articles about hospitals

• A compassionate male nurse became the subject of widespread admiration after sharing a video carrying an infant on his back while busy with his medical duties.
• A heavily pregnant Zimbabwean lady was chased away from a local hospital while going in to deliver, after she was asked where she was from.
• A male nurse called out his colleagues for mistreating patients, reminding them of the oath they took, and social media users were impressed.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Source: Briefly News