President Cyril Ramaphosa Weighs In on MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba’s Remarks, Says “We Are Not Xenophobic”

• President Cyril Ramaphosa said Limpopo Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba's remarks could have been handled better
• He refuted claims that South Africans are xenophobic and said Ramathuba brought up an important issue
• Ramaphosa said SA's first priority is to look after its citizens and to ensure their rights are not trampled or ignored

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa evaded the question of whether Limpopo Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba would be punished for her recent rant to an undocumented immigrant seeking medical attention. He did, however, slam remarks suggesting that South Africans were xenophobic.

A question-and-answer session was held on Tuesday, 30 August, and Ramaphosa told the National Assembly that the home affairs department has been dealing with numerous challenges. He said the department has been doing a good job of ensuring legality by setting up the Border Control Authority, TimesLIVE reported.

Read also

EFF members booted from parliament again for disruptive behaviour duringRamaphosa's Q&A session

Ramathuba recently came under fire for her remarks to a Zimbabwean patient, whom she claimed was destroying the country’s health care. A video of the incident went viral on social media and the MEC has refused to apologise for her comments.

Ramaphosa said Ramathuba brought up an important issue; however, he said she could have raised it in another way. He said the issue has since become a debate in South Africa and other African countries.

The president said the leadership of the African National Congress is not xenophobic and said citizens respond to challenges they face. He said the government must recognise those who enter the country legally.

Ramaphosa said the country’s first priority is to look after South Africans and ensure their rights are not trampled or ignored, according to The Citizen. However, he added that assistance to undocumented nationals should not be at the expense of citizens.

Read also

Operation Dudula protests foreign nationals at Hillbrow clinic, says they should go home

South Africans react to the president’s comments:

@zinqitha said:

“People are tired nothing has been done. It has been years since no one is willing to help. ANC has failed its people. It’s about time people vote them out.”

@UBGK12 commented:

“President Cyril Ramaphosa stands firmly with Limpopo Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba over the problem of migration and its effect on South Africa’s healthcare.”

Zimbabwe Exiles Forum defends Dr Phophi Ramathuba, says her comments are not xenophobic

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum has broken its silence on Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba’s rant to a foreign national awaiting surgery at a Bela-Bela hospital. A video clip of the incident went viral on social media, sparking widespread anger.

However, the forum has defended the MEC, saying her comments were not xenophobic but highlighted the truth. During an interview with eNCA, the forum’s Tino Mambeu said it would be unfair to call Ramathuba’s comments xenophobic.

Read also

Thuli Madonsela weighs in on Enoch Godongwana's sexual assault allegations, says he should not step aside

“The influx of Zimbabweans in South Africa has caused serious damage to the health situation in the country and the situation has reached a serious calamity,” he said.

Source: Briefly News