Aaron Motsoaledi Says Healthcare in SA Is Based on Clinical Needs, Not Citizenship, Mzansi Outraged
- Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has weighed in on the issue of foreigners accessing healthcare services in South Africa
- The Minister of Health reiterated that the Constitution allows for everyone to be treated at the country's facilities
- South Africans were not impressed with some of Dr Motsoaledi's admissions about foreign nationals and health
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG - Emergency medical attention is not provided based on nationality or documented status, but on clinical need.
That’s according to Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who has weighed in on the recent uproar about foreign nationals being able to access healthcare in South Africa. Groups like Operation Dudula and March and March have protested against foreigners using healthcare facilities in the country.
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were deployed to clinics to prevent citizens from blocking foreigners' access to medical facilities. The Minister of Health has since reiterated that every person has the right to health services.
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What did Motsoaledi say?
Responding to questions in Parliament, the minister reiterated that the Constitution didn’t discriminate against locals or foreigners.
Section 27(1)(a) of the Constitution states that ‘Everyone has the right to access healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare’.
Some locals have taken this to mean that everyone means every South African, but the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Motsoaledi have stated that it means every person in the country, whether they are documented or undocumented. Operation Dudula accused the SAHRC of bias towards foreign nationals following its statement.
The minister then emphasised that emergency medical attention was provided based on clinical need and not citizenship status.
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How many undocumented foreigners receive medical care in South Africa?
ActionSA’s Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Kgosi Letlape, also questioned how many undocumented foreign nationals access healthcare services, but Dr Motsoaledi admitted that the department does not keep records of documented or undocumented foreigners.
“Patients are requested to present proof of identification. This is to ensure that, for their own safety, they are being treated as the individuals who they say they are. However, services are not withheld from those who are unable to do so,” he noted.
He added that some South African citizens did not have identity documents, but they were not turned away, as they may not be considered illegal in their own country.
The minister's response—that the department was not tracking how many foreigners accessed healthcare services—was particularly concerning for Dr. Letlape, who noted that the system was already strained.
“In a public health system already buckling under pressure, with overcrowded hospitals, long queues, understaffing and medicine shortages, this lack of oversight is reckless and unsustainable,” he said.
How did South Africans react?
Like Dr Letlape, South Africans were not impressed with the fact that the department didn’t keep track of how many foreigners access healthcare services in the country. Some even accused the government of being nonchalant about the issue and putting foreigners first.
Thabo Phomane said:
“Our government is so nonchalant about matters regarding foreign nationals. They seem to prefer foreigners over the citizens. South Africa is the only banana Republic in the whole world. Useless leaders.”
Thabiso Makelo added:
“Basically, the health department doesn't do anything for South Africans except to award fraudulent tenders.”
Sharon Bri suggested:
“Operation Dudula will track them for you. It's not difficult. No tender required.”
Azwifarwi Given Mbambadzeni stated:
“South Africans are paying the taxman every year. And they must come first and the rest later.”
Puleng Tsotetsi added:
“That is why we are in this mess. No accountability. Just vibes.”
SAHRC declares that foreigners have the right to medical care
Briefly News reported that the SAHRC defended the rights of foreign nationals to free healthcare.
The SAHRC stated that the Constitution made it clear that everyone had access to healthcare services.
Operation Dudula made headlines when it attempted to prevent foreign nationals from accessing clinics.
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Source: Briefly News
