Government to act on March and March blocking access to hospitals
We also share the account of Crispin Hemson, who was allegedly assaulted by members of March and March last week. Such incidents fly in the face of South Africa's constitutional commitment to dignity and equality. Section 27 of the Constitution and the National Health Act guarantee everyone the right to health care, regardless of immigration status.
The Department of Health has condemned identity-document demands at hospital gates. While concerns about undocumented migrants are real, blocking access to care violates the law and endangers lives. Authorities urge activists to channel grievances through lawful channels and propose sustainable solutions that balance public resources with human rights.
Key government directives:
- Protesters must respect constitutional rights and health-care legislation.
- Law enforcement agencies to uphold the law without fear or favour.
- Aggrieved parties encouraged to engage in policy dialogue, not street action.
- Condemnation of anyone entering South Africa solely to exploit health services.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Public Order Police units, has activated an operational plan to safeguard clinics and hospitals.
A zero-tolerance approach will be applied to any form of intimidation or lawlessness. Officers, alongside Home Affairs, will continue arresting and prosecuting immigration-offence suspects.
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Daily Maverick
4 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
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Patients divided over new identity checks in hospital
Members of the March and March Movement checked people's identity documents and appointment cards outside the Addington Hospital. Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Newspapers THERE has been a mixed reaction to March and March requests to see patient identity documents and appointment cards aimed at preventing foreign nationals from using public health facilities. Last Friday, the POST spoke to patients outside the Addington Hospital, some of whom described it as 'time-wasting' and 'inhumane', while others were pleased not having to wait for a long period of time. - A mother of a six-year-old said: 'Earlier this month, my daughter underwent an emergency operation after her appendix ruptured. She was hospitalised and we had to wait in long lines every day to get into the hospital because people had to produce their identity documents or appointment cards. During visiting hours, my husband had to wait for about 20 minutes before he could enter. 'It is a waste of time and is wrong. Nobody should be denied care or medication. It should not matter if you are South African or from another country. We are all humans. They should stop what they are doing. I brought my daughter for a check-up and we had to wait again. It is not right." - Another patient, 44, said: 'It is sad as not everyone can afford private care. If foreign nationals could afford to go to private hospitals they would. Nobody wants to wait in long queues. If I could afford medical aid, I would not be here. I think this is unnecessary and should be stopped.' - A 75-year-old woman, who was accompanied by her caregiver, a Zimbabwean, said she was 'appalled'. 'I asked them why they are doing this, only to be told they don't want foreigners in the hospital. I told them they had no right to do that, but I was told that if I did not like it, I must go elsewhere. Who gave them the authority to decide who can use the hospital? My caregiver has been with me for 10 years and lived in South Africa for almost 20 years. She is legally in South Africa, and should not have been treated like a criminal.' - A 77-year-old woman, who arrived to collect her medication for diabetes and hypertension, said she was pleased. 'I come to the hospital every month and this is the first time I did not sit the entire day. I came in at 7am and was done by 10am. I think it is a great thing they are doing for us.' - A 60-year-old man, who had a doctor's appointment, said: 'I had a stroke and sitting in the hospital for a long time can be tiring, but within two hours I was done. It also only took 30 minutes to collect my medication. I feel this should have been done a long time ago.' - A 54-year-old woman, originally from Congo, was turned away at the entrance. She said she was concerned as she was supposed to collect her medication for hypertension. The woman said she had been living in South Africa for 19 years. 'I showed them my documents and said I needed my medication, but they did not care. I have been coming to the hospital for 14 years and had no problems. I am worried as I only have a few tablets left. What am I going to do when it is finished? I cannot buy this medication over the counter.' - A 26-year-old woman, originally from Somalia, said she was concerned as she was eight-months pregnant. 'I was supposed to have my final check-up before I give birth next month. I pleaded with them, but they told me I was not South African, so I must have my baby in a private hospital. I stood outside the hospital hoping they would have some mercy, but they did not care.'
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane hits back at corruption claims, calls allegations a 'smear campaign'
KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane says corruption and nepotism claims are part of a political smear campaign, and she remains focused on delivering quality healthcare to the people of KwaZulu-Natal. Image: Supplied KZN MEC of Health Nomagugu Simelane said she won't play politics with people's lives or allow personal attacks to derail the work of her department. 'I will not play politics with people's lives. I will not lower myself to the level of those who seek to destabilise, distract, and destroy,' she said in a statement addressing a series of allegations that have surfaced on social media, in the press, and on various platforms in recent weeks. Simelane described the claims as part of a 'targeted campaign of misinformation' aimed at damaging her reputation and that of her family. She said she had remained largely silent until now because she was focused on delivering the province's critical health budget, which she tabled on Tuesday. IOL previously reported that the MK Party had called for Simelane's resignation, accusing her of corruption and alleging that her family business, Kwazi-Gugu Investments CC, received duplicate payments worth R1.42 million from the provincial Agriculture Department. The MK Party further claimed that her family continued receiving state financial support while she served as Health MEC, and linked her to a 2008 farm loan granted by Ithala Bank, allegations Simelane has dismissed as 'false and malicious.' 'Now that the budget has been delivered, and with it, real plans to strengthen our healthcare system, I want to take a moment to set the record straight and address the stories that are currently circulating,' she said. Simelane defended her department's stance on hospital access following protests related to the treatment of undocumented foreign nationals. She said her duty is to uphold the Constitution, not to discriminate. 'Every person, regardless of their nationality, has the right to emergency medical care. Denying that would be illegal and inhumane,' she said. She condemned protesters who blocked hospitals, calling the act unacceptable and dangerous. 'Peaceful protest is allowed, but blocking access to hospitals is not,' she said. 'That's why we worked to keep our facilities open and safe for patients.' While she acknowledged that illegal immigration is a national issue, she insisted healthcare 'must never, ever be considered a privilege, but a fundamental right to be enjoyed equitably by all.' Responding to allegations that she interfered with Vuma FM, leading to the removal of former broadcaster Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, Simelane said: 'Let's be absolutely clear. I did not instruct or influence Vuma FM to fire Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma. ''The station itself has confirmed that her contract expired as part of its internal HR processes,'' she said. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ She also dismissed claims of a voice recording allegedly implicating her, calling them 'false.' 'There is no such thing. I respect media freedom, but this freedom comes with responsibility to report fairly and accurately.' Simelane said she had taken legal steps to stop the 'spread of lies' and to protect the integrity of her office. Furthermore, Simelane also addressed accusations around her family's farm, saying the loan it received from Ithala Bank was issued in 2008, years before she held any influential role in agriculture. 'In 2008, I was a junior official employed within a completely different department. I had resigned from the family company in 2004 – four years before that loan was issued,' she said. She emphasised that her family applied for agriculture support through legal departmental processes, with no influence from her.' She maintained that the support her family farm received through the Department of Agriculture followed 'open and regulated processes' and that she had no influence in those decisions. 'These applications were approved – without any input or involvement whatsoever from me,' Simelane said. 'All procurement was managed through the department's own supply chain processes and chosen service providers.' She said a full and detailed report has been submitted to the Premier. On nepotism allegations, Simelane defended her siblings' qualifications and appointments. 'My sister was appointed to her position through a transparent process. I was not involved in any way. She earned her place,' she said. She described claims of fake CVs as 'false and desperate,' adding that her family 'has taken advantage of one thing: education.' Regarding her brother, she added: 'He is a finance professional with 15 years of experience and verifiable formal qualifications.' 'I do not do nepotism. I do service,' Simelane insisted. 'These personal attacks won't divert me from working in accordance with my mandate: to improve healthcare delivery for every person in this province,' she said. 'While the noise gets louder, so will my commitment to doing the work. Because that's what real leadership looks like.' Simelane said she believes the flurry of allegations,surfacing around the same time, are politically motivated and part of a deliberate smear campaign. 'This past weekend saw an array of sensational rumours emerge online, blatantly designed to mislead the public and shake confidence in the work of my department,' she said. 'They are part of a calculated and mischievous smear campaign.' Despite this, Simelane said she remains focused on delivering health services to the province and serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal. 'Leadership should never be determined by threats or intimidation, but by truth, service, and due process,' she said. 'I will not bow to those tactics. ''I will continue to do what I have done since 2004: serve, lead, and strive for a stronger, fairer, and more dignified healthcare system in KwaZulu-Natal.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
