The Catholic Archdiocese of Durban has spoken out strongly against ongoing disruptions at South Africa’s public healthcare facilities, where groups have been blocking undocumented foreign nationals from receiving treatment.
Archbishop Siegfried Mandla Jwara condemned these actions, calling them contrary to the values of the gospel and human dignity. He urged authorities to act swiftly to protect vulnerable patients.
“I lend my voice in support of the marginalised who suffer persecution and rejection simply because they are foreign nationals,” Jwara said. “South Africa is a beacon of liberty and hope for many. Those who come here seeking refuge must be treated with love, respect, and given every right to access medical care when they need it.”
His statement comes as tensions rise in provinces such as Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where vigilante groups like Operation Dudula have disrupted services at clinics and hospitals. These groups argue that the healthcare system is already overwhelmed and should prioritize South African citizens.
Earlier this month, three women linked to Operation Dudula were arrested at a Soweto clinic after disrupting maternity services and demanding patients show identity documents. They were charged but later released with a warning.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has confirmed that the police do not have a dedicated unit to deal specifically with these movements. Instead, public order police units are deployed to manage situations when necessary.
Authorities maintain that while resources are stretched, no one should be denied healthcare on the basis of nationality.