Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini has urged South African authorities to allow Zimbabweans access to medical services, saying they contribute significantly to the neighbouring country’s economy.
His remarks follow reports that some Zimbabweans in South Africa are being turned away from clinics and hospitals amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment.
Operation Dudula — an organisation that has since transformed into a political party — has been widely described as xenophobic and even fascist.
The group has been linked to violent intimidation and harassment of both legal and undocumented migrants, accusing them of “stealing jobs” and “draining resources.”
It has become notorious for raiding businesses owned by foreign nationals and forcing them to close, particularly in poor urban communities.
Responding to questions in Parliament last Wednesday, Kwidini said it was inhumane for any country to deny medical care to sick individuals, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
“In humanitarian cases, if someone is sick in any way, there is no way one can be denied access to health because health is key to everyone,” he said.
Related Stories
He added that many foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, are helping to grow South Africa’s economy by providing essential services.
“It is an issue that needs to be looked into holistically between the two governments so that no one is denied access to healthcare services,” Kwidini said.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by undocumented migrants but stressed that there has been no official directive from the South African government to deny Zimbabweans medical attention.
He also encouraged citizens to travel with proper documentation, noting that Zimbabwe has established passport offices in South Africa to assist nationals in regularising their stay.
“We are also encouraging Zimbabweans to go to South Africa legally. That is why we have passport offices there — so that people can be well-documented. In the event that you get sick, you can go to the hospital legally,” the Minister stated.
While some legislators suggested establishing health facilities at Zimbabwe’s embassies to assist vulnerable citizens abroad, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda ruled out the idea, saying the government could not support illegal migration.
Kwidini also noted that Zimbabweans with valid medical aid schemes covering foreign treatment can legally receive healthcare in South Africa under existing arrangements.
South Africa hosts one of the largest Zimbabwean diaspora populations, estimated at over a million people — many of whom left their home country following years of economic collapse driven by mismanagement and corruption.
Leave Comments