By: Xolani Khumalo
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the politicisation of South Africa’s healthcare system, saying medical facilities must never be used as platforms to undermine the rule of law or to promote xenophobia.
This follows the resurgence of anti-migrant campaigns, including those led by Operation Dudula and other groups, which have been calling for the exclusion of foreign nationals from public healthcare services.
DA Shadow MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Imran Keeka, has reaffirmed the party’s stance that access to healthcare is a constitutional right that must be upheld for everyone within the country’s borders — regardless of nationality.
“Healthcare is a right for all,” Keeka stated. “Treating every sick person is not only a constitutional obligation, it is also critical for safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of everyone in South Africa.”
Keeka added that scapegoating migrants for the strain on the public health system ignores deeper systemic issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and underfunding.
South Africa’s Constitution, under Section 27, guarantees everyone the right to access healthcare services. The National Health Act further obligates healthcare professionals to provide emergency medical treatment to all individuals, irrespective of their legal status in the country.
Amid growing pressure on the healthcare system, tensions have risen in some communities, with certain groups blaming migrants for overcrowded facilities and limited resources. However, human rights organisations have cautioned against xenophobic rhetoric and urged the government to address the root causes of the crisis without infringing on basic rights.
The DA has called on government leaders and health institutions to uphold their constitutional duties and ensure that the country’s hospitals and clinics remain spaces of care, not conflict.
