Tensions high outside Kalafong hospital

Dudula members have held a series of pickets outside the facility since the beginning of the month, demanding that people produce identification at the entrance and preventing those they label as foreign nationals from accessing health care.

According to reports, the demonstrators are targeting “dark skinned” people.

The group’s Atteridgeville chairperson Elias Makgwadi said they are not against foreign nationals accessing services at the hospital, as long as they present the relevant documents, pay the necessary fees and abide by the facility’s protocols

Makgwadi accused the hospital’s management of failing to implement its own rules, and discriminating against South African patients.

“We are saying let us put South Africa first, there are laws that are there that need to be implemented by the hospital. If you come to the hospital you must come with ID document, a valid passport, proof or residence, and refugee status. South Africans when the y come here they are requesting proof of residence and an ID, but for foreigners they don’t request those things,”  he said.

At the same time, the Tshwane regional secretary for the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) Raymond Tshabalala says police are not doing enough to curb the tensions.

“This thing has nothing to do with workers, it has nothing to with our members but it’s a problem that now they are caught in the crossfire. We are concerned that law enforcement is just around and they are not doing anything about the situation despite the fact that there is a court order that states clearly how far these people who are protesting must be.”

Earlier members of Operation Dudula continued to sing anti-migrant songs before clashing with EFF supporters, who insisted police should enforce an interdict prohibiting the group from turning staff and patients away

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla is visiting the hospital to assess the impact of protests on access to health services.

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