An anti-migrant group called Operation Dudula is stopping foreigners from accessing public health clinics in South Africa.
In South Africa, the anti-migrant vigilante group Operation Dudula (“push out by force”) has begun blocking foreigners from entering public health clinics, particularly in Gauteng province. Members, often in military-style uniforms, demand South African ID documents at clinic entrances and turn away those without them, including pregnant women and sick children, directing them to costly private facilities. The Johannesburg High Court has declared these actions unlawful and ordered the group to stop. South Africa’s government and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi insist that public healthcare is legally available to everyone, regardless of documentation or nationality. Despite the ruling and official condemnation, Operation Dudula’s support is growing amid high unemployment (over 31%) and longstanding anti-immigrant sentiment. The group, which previously targeted foreign-owned shops and schools, says it will appeal the court decision. Human rights organizations and anti-xenophobia activists condemn the vigilante checks as illegal, noting that even some South African citizens lack proper ID. Police have made occasional arrests, but security at clinics remains limited. South Africa, the continent’s most industrialized economy, hosts around 2.4 million foreign nationals (about 4% of its population) and deported nearly 47,000 undocumented migrants last year. The targeting of healthcare access marks a new escalation in the country’s recurring waves of anti-migrant tension.
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