Illegal ID checks at SA hospitals spark political outcry and government crackdown
Image: March and March/Facebook
But while she cites constitutional rights to protest, the group's actions fly in the face of another part of the Constitution - Section 27, which guarantees healthcare access to everyone in South Africa, regardless of immigration status.
And the Bill of Rights explicitly protects freedom of movement.
Critics say what's happening at Addington is dangerously reminiscent of apartheid-era pass laws. Legal experts and government officials say that it is not only illegal and discriminatory, but a threat to public safety.
Among those affected is Christian Tchizungu Kwigomba, a Congolese father and long-time Durban resident.
After the birth of his twins at Addington, he returned for a vital follow-up appointment only to be stopped at the gate by the group. He says he was shoved while holding one of his newborns.
'I faced something that no human being should experience,' Kwigomba said. 'Even pregnant women are being turned away. It's a matter of life or death.'
Kwigomba, who is diabetic and relies on medication, says he cannot afford private care.
'We are just waiting to die,' he said. 'They should remember the spirit of Ubuntu and stop kicking people out.'
The Department of Health has condemned the movement's actions.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale called on protesters to raise concerns 'within the confines of the law,' warning that the protests endanger lives and violate the Constitution and National Health Act.
'There's a difference between being concerned and taking the law into your own hands,' Mohale said. 'Everyone has the right to emergency and primary care.'
Security plans are now in place to prevent further intimidation. Police and public order units have been deployed to protect health workers and patients.
The government has emphasised a zero-tolerance policy toward any group or individual attempting to block access to public health facilities.
Meanwhile, rights groups, including the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Section 27 are monitoring the situation.
IOL News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Why are fewer women breastfeeding in SA despite its enormous benefits?
Aggressive marketing campaigns by the formula milk industry, hunger and malnutrition and insecure employment are among the factors causing a decline in breastfeeding in the country. While global exclusive breastfeeding rates have seen a slight increase in recent years, South Africa is still lagging behind with a concerning decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates from 32% in 2016 to 22% in 2024. Civil society and the Department of Health say the current trend means the country is unlikely to achieve the World Health Assembly breastfeeding target of at least 50% by the end of 2025, and 70% in 2030 unless women receive support beyond education campaigns. The Department of Health in collaboration with various stakeholders hosted an event to mark the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week at Loftus Park Shopping centre in Pretoria on 1 August 2025. It aimed to intensify awareness about the long-term health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for both the mother and child, as part of ongoing efforts to increase the rate of breastfeeding in the country. Multiple factors contribute to the decline in breastfeeding. Chantell Witten, the health systems director at iLifa Labantwana with expertise in breastfeeding and nutrition, told Daily Maverick that some of these factors were lack of support, income and formula marketing through health centres and professionals. 'Given the lack of maternity protection and stable employment opportunities, South African mothers are not protected to enjoy a successful breastfeeding journey. Furthermore, the insidious marketing of formula through health professionals undermines government efforts to promote, support and protect breastfeeding,' said Witten. World Breastfeeding Week is a global movement aimed at promoting breastfeeding and creating a conducive environment that supports mothers who breastfeed their babies, ultimately contributing to their wellbeing. Speaking to Daily Maverick, Edzani Mphaphuli, the Executive Director of Grow Great Campaign, said the first 1,000 days, from conception to a child's second birthday, were the most important for shaping lifelong health, learning and wellbeing. 'During this period, the brain develops rapidly, and the foundations for emotional, cognitive and physical growth are laid. If children are undernourished or neglected during this time, they risk becoming stunted. Stunting has irreversible effects on brain function, school performance and future productivity. Breastfeeding plays a central role in preventing stunting. It provides complete nutrition, supports immunity, and fosters emotional bonding. Supporting mothers to breastfeed is not just about nutrition, it is about brain development, emotional security, and human potential. Every child deserves the chance to grow great from the very beginning, and that means ensuring their mothers are nourished, supported and cared for too,' Mphaphuli said. Shared responsibility So this makes the decline concerning for the department, health and nutrition practitioners and civil society organisations in the space. The department says exclusive breastfeeding is a shared responsibility, 'extending beyond just the role of mothers, with families, communities, healthcare systems and employers having important roles to play. Breastfeeding is not just about reaching country and global targets, but also about supporting infant health and development, as well as maternal wellbeing.' Witten echoed this point, saying breastfeeding promotion and support programmes had multiple benefits, such as 'saving children's lives, better health outcomes, lower economic and environmental impact. It's good for mothers, children and the economic development of the country… Programmes to support mothers and their children are not prioritised, and (mothers should be) protected from profit-driven industries like the formula industry,' said Witten. Significant impact A mother's nutrition does not drastically affect the quality of breast milk, but it has a significant impact on her ability to continue breastfeeding. Mphaphuli said the campaign aimed to reduce child stunting and malnutrition through multiple programmes and interventions. She added that mothers' bodies prioritised the baby 'drawing nutrients from the mother's own reserves, often depleting her energy, muscle, and bone mass. Without proper food, mothers feel exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed. Breastfeeding is physically demanding, and doing it while hungry can be debilitating,' says Mphaphuli. In a written response to Daily Maverick, Mphaphuli said that many mothers supported by Grow Great's Flourish programme and community health workers reported stopping breastfeeding due to hunger and stress. 'Hunger increases cortisol in the mother's body — this stress hormone transfers into breast milk, leaving babies fussy and colicky, which creates a cycle of emotional strain. This cycle makes breastfeeding even harder. What a mother eats while breastfeeding is determined not just by knowledge, but by what she can afford. Finances drive dietary choices. When money is tight, nutritious foods like fruit, vegetables, protein and dairy are often replaced with cheaper, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor alternatives. Financial support is therefore essential to help mothers eat well and breastfeed with confidence. Without it, the risk of burnout, poor mental health, and early breastfeeding cessation increases, contributing to poor growth and stunting in infants, especially in vulnerable households,' Mphaphuli said. The Grow Great Flourish programme is an intervention supporting breastfeeding and early child development in South Africa. It provides antenatal and postnatal support groups, led by trained local women who are mothers themselves. Mphaphuli said the programme demystified breastfeeding, covering topics like how milk was produced, how to latch, and how to manage common challenges. 'The safe, non-judgmental environment encourages mothers to ask questions and support each other. Beyond the sessions, WhatsApp groups keep the community connected, allowing mothers to share concerns and receive encouragement around the clock. Nearly all Flourish moms breastfeed, and 62% do so exclusively. This stands in stark contrast to the national average. Grow Great also trains community health workers to deliver in-home breastfeeding support. These workers reinforce critical messages and help mothers persevere. Together, these programmes are preventing stunting by ensuring that babies receive the best start in life, beginning with breast milk.' DM
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
Five-day walk helps raise cancer awareness
The Strides 4 Hope Walk, which took place from July 22 to 26, united a group of ordinary individuals for an extraordinary cause. Over five days, 20 to 30 walkers covered 100km across Gauteng, ending with a community 5km fun run at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton. Created in partnership with Cansa, the event was more than a physical challenge. It aimed to raise critical funds for cancer support and give a voice to lesser-known forms of the disease. Each day of the walk was dedicated to a different type of cancer, with walkers wearing colour-themed shirts to reflect the focus of the day. Ordinary people, extraordinary effort Elize Damon, the main organiser, explained what sets this walk apart from other fundraising efforts. 'It is not athletes doing this. These are ordinary people. Spending five days together creates a team spirit that carries you through every step,' she said. Jaq Grobler, who is also a runner, took part in the full walk. 'Everyone had to dig deep. You test your strength, but also your ability to support others. That is what makes it so powerful,' he said. Planning the 100km journey takes weeks of preparation. 'We map out the route, walk it ourselves and adjust as needed. We try to keep it manageable, but there are always hills and challenges,' said Damon. Shinning a light all cancers The route may be long, but the purpose behind it is what keeps participants going. 'There is so much attention on breast cancer, but others get forgotten. We want to change that. We want people to talk about prostate cancer, lung cancer and other cancers that also take lives,' Damon said. Funds raised go directly to Cansa, an organisation that provides cancer education, counselling and care. 'Cansa does not get government funding. Events like this help them continue their work,' she said. Growing community support The community's response this year was stronger than before. 'More people showed up, more supported us. My hope is that next year even more diverse communities join in,' Damon added. Personal reasons, powerful moments For Helen Schumann, one of the walkers, the motivation was personal. 'My dad passed away from cancer. A close friend is fighting now. Walking for them means everything. It also reminds us that any one of us could be next,' she said. Linda Murphy, a returning walker, said it is about unity. 'The best moments are when we are all together; walking side by side with one shared goal.' How you can help To support future walks or contribute to the cause, visit Cansa's website or follow the Strides 4 Hope walk Facebook page.
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- The Citizen
Fifty-year-old stroke survivor fights to rebuild her life
Ballito's Shereen Laureau suffered a life-altering stroke at 50 and began a determined fight to reclaim her life. The mother of two was stripped of her independence overnight and forced to relearn even the most basic tasks of daily living. Before the stroke, Shereen was a fiercely self-reliant woman who managed everything for her daughters. But suddenly, she was the one who needed care. The stroke came shortly after she was admitted for a brain aneurysm in February this year. She lost the ability to speak, her right arm became dysfunctional and she struggled to walk. 'When I was discharged, I weighed just 36 kilogrammes,' she said. At first no one could understand a word she said, a deeply isolating experience. But Shereen refused to give up. She gave everything to her recovery, undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling and speech therapy. 'My boss, Daniel van der Westhuizen from Globalem, paid for all these sessions and I am so grateful for his assistance,' she said. Shereen had worked remotely as his personal assistant for over two years. Just this past Friday, she attended her final physiotherapy session, a milestone she once believed was out of reach. Her speech therapist had initially predicted she would only be able to hold a full conversation by next year. But since starting her recovery journey in March, she has made remarkable progress. 'I would not be where I am today if it was not for their help,' said a tearful Shereen. 'God saved me, and now I have to do everything I can to get better.' Her road to recovery has not been easy. Some days she spoke clearly, while on others, she woke up unable to utter a word. Still, she persisted. She curled her own hair, burning her hands in the process, until she got it right. She cooked meals, refusing to stay in bed or surrender to her condition. Her daughter, Sheriece Whyte (26), could not be more proud. 'She fought for my sister and me. This journey tested us and brought us closer as a family,' said Sheriece. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
