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IOL News
a day ago
- Health
- IOL News
Illegal ID checks at SA hospitals spark political outcry and government crackdown
Human rights groups and officials condemn the march in march vigilante group for illegally checking IDs at a public hospital, blocking access to essential care for immigrants and violating South Africa's Constitution. 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
IOL News
a day ago
- Health
- IOL News
Government to act on March and March blocking access to hospitals
In this video, we unpack the disturbing wave of protests targeting foreign nationals at public health facilities. New parents like Christian Tchizungu Kwigomba were turned away with their newborn twins, denied a crucial follow-up appointment. He warns that the March and March Movement's tactics could turn deadly if people continue being refused essential care. 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.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- IOL News
Gauteng police investigate the discovery of six charred foetuses in Soweto
The Gauteng police are appealing for assistance following the disturbing discovery of six charred foetuses in Protea Glen Extension 12, Soweto, on Monday morning. Image: Pixabay / pexels The Gauteng police and the provincial Department of Health have appealed for more information that could lead to the people or institutions responsible for the six foetuses that were discovered in an open veld in Soweto. This comes as the community of Protea Glen Extension 12 in Soweto reportedly woke up to the gruesome discovery of six charred newborn babies at an illegal dumpsite on Monday, July 14, 2025. The incident was confirmed by Gauteng police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Mavela Masondo, who revealed that the police were alerted to the unaccounted-for foetuses on Monday. "Police have opened a case of concealment of birth, with six counts, after six foetuses were discovered in an open veld in Protea Glen, Soweto, on Monday, 14 July 2025. Police were called by a member of the community after a man who was looking for scraps noticed slightly burned foetuses," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ As the police continue their investigation, the Gauteng Department of Health stated that it was not aware of the incident. Departmental spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said there are measures for mothers and healthcare professionals to properly dispose of their unborn babies. "The department is not aware. If the body of the foetus weighs more than 1,000g and the parent wishes to bury it, they may contact their funeral parlour to arrange for collection. If the mother requests that the Department of Health incinerate the body, the body is incinerated following the National Health Act,2003 (Act No 61 of 2003) on management and handling of the body/tissue. If the weight of the foetus is below 1,000g, the disposal of the tissue is handled by the registered contracted medical waste company," he said. Modiba urged the community to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible. "The department has records of all choices on termination of pregnancies performed in the departmental health facilities in Soweto." On whether there is a syndicate that operates illegal abortion facilities or whether some healthcare facilities could be responsible, Modiba said at this point, they are not aware of any such syndicates. "The department is not aware of any illegal abortion centres operating in Soweto. If any facility is operating illegally without being designated by the Member of Executive Council (MEC), the department has the power to close it down. The department has records of all choices on termination of pregnancies performed in the departmental health facilities in Soweto," he added.
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
‘You can't solve crime through illegal actions: Health Department on activists blocking foreigners
Clashes were previously seen at Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Tshwane when police used stun grenades to disperse members of Operation Dudula who were vetting people entering the hospital. Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Media The national Department of Health has expressed concern over several vigilante groups intercepting foreign nationals, blocking them from accessing healthcare at public facilities. In an interview with IOL, spokesperson for the Department of Health, Foster Mohale said while the department does not condone illegal migration, the actions of the activist groups are concerning. 'We have noted with concern illegal actions around some parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, in which individuals and organised groups prevent healthcare users, especially illegal migrants from accessing health services,' said Mohale. 'We also condemn people who illegally cross the border into South Africa specifically to access healthcare services. 'We urge those with concerns about this societal problem to raise them within the confines of the law instead of taking the law into their own hands because you cannot solve crime through illegal activities which may end you in jail,' Mohale told IOL. Regarding the legal position of immigrants accessing healthcare in South Africa, Mohale said there are different legal frameworks relied on. "This is not only a violation of constitutional rights, especially Section 27, but also a number of legal prescripts, the National Health Act, the Refugee Act, Immigration Act. Section 27 of the South African Constitution guarantees that everyone has the right to access healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare, and that no one may be refused emergency medical treatment. "The National Health Act ensures access to primary healthcare services for all individuals in South Africa, regardless of immigration status. The Refugees Act protects the rights of refugees and asylum seekers to healthcare services, and prohibits denial of emergency medical care. On the Immigration Act, while healthcare facilities are permitted to inquire about legal status, this should not hinder the provision of necessary care, especially in emergencies," he said. Mohale said law enforcement agencies must act against anyone committing illegal actions. 'We are calling on law enforcement agencies to take firm action against those who interfere with access to healthcare and unlawfully obstruct our institutions,' said Mohale. 'We also call upon all residents to remain law-abiding and to express their concerns using the appropriate channels provided under our legal and democratic system. "South Africa is a democratic state governed by laws which must be respected by all,' he said. In 2022, IOL reported that chaos erupted outside Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Tshwane when police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades, intervening in violent clashes between groups from the Economic Freedom Fighters and Operation Dudula. The two groups were feuding over whether undocumented foreigners should be able to access medical services at the hospital. Violent scenes of members of the two groups throwing stones and empty bottles at each other played out at the time then health minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, visited the facility to inspect the impact of the anti-foreigner protests on hospital operations.
eNCA
03-07-2025
- Health
- eNCA
Joburg clinic allegedly turns away foreign patients
JOHANNESBURG - A clinic in Rosettenville in the south of Johannesburg is allegedly turning away foreign nationals. However, the management is denying such allegations and says they are attending to everyone walking into the health facility. Some of the alleged foreign nationals in the queues say they have been waiting for assistance since Monday. Pregnant women and mothers with babies have been turned away by community members in support of the alleged action. They say that the people coming to the clinic do not have legal documentation and cannot use the services. The foreign nationals deny this. Meanwhile in KwaZulu-Natal reports have surfaced that Illegal Somalians and Ethiopians have been shot at by police, after they attacked a March and March member. They're also alleging to have attacked South African police,demanding free healthcare at Addington Hospital in KwaZulu Natal. Department of Health Spokesperson Foster Mohale says they are aware of the tensions in Rosettenville. But notes that this is not an isolated. He has condemned this action saying no one has the right to prevent anyone from accessing health care. "Everyone who happens to be in the country is protected by a number of prescripts including Section 27 of the constitution including the National Health Act, the refugee act,' he says. While there are claims that those seeking health services are illegal in the country, Mohale says while they condemn such actions of those who enter the country illegally no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. This he says is to respect the laws of the country.
