South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has confirmed meeting with Operation Dudula representatives regarding the group’s controversial stance on undocumented foreign nationals using public health facilities.
Dr Motsoaledi said he cautioned the group to tread carefully, warning that their approach could inadvertently deny services to South African citizens who may also lack proper identification or documentation.
The minister emphasized that access to healthcare must be handled within the framework of the law and human rights obligations, noting that hospitals and clinics cannot arbitrarily turn people away without thorough verification.
Operation Dudula has been vocal about its position that undocumented foreign nationals place additional strain on South Africa’s public health system, a claim that has sparked widespread debate and criticism from human rights groups.
