By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, has issued a stern warning against the denial of healthcare services to anyone seeking help at government facilities, calling such acts both unlawful and inhumane.
Speaking to The Guard during a departmental outreach at Showtel Bible Church in Qwa Qwa, Mahlatsi emphasized that public health institutions must remain open and accessible to all, regardless of nationality or documentation status.
Although no such cases have been reported in the Free State, Mahlatsi’s remarks follow disturbing incidents in Gauteng, where foreign nationals have allegedly been blocked from accessing clinics by members of the anti-immigrant group Operation Dudula.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) recently opened a criminal case against the movement, accusing it of inciting violence and unlawfully targeting foreigners. This comes after the death of a one-year-old Malawian boy whose mother, Grace Banda (21), claims they were turned away from the Alexandra Community Health Centre in July because she lacked a South African ID.
“I want to make it clear: in our province, we are committed to helping everyone who walks through our doors,” Mahlatsi said.
“The verification of documentation is the responsibility of Home Affairs and the police, not health workers.”
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that an inquiry docket has been opened and referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision.
The EFF further alleges that some South Africans have also been refused treatment after being wrongly presumed to be foreign nationals.
Operation Dudula has denied responsibility for the Malawian child’s death, claiming its members were not present at the clinic on the day. “If it’s an emergency, we allow people into hospitals,” said Dudula president Zandile Dabula.
“Our investigations show our members weren’t there that day.”
The Gauteng Department of Health has strongly condemned any obstruction of patients trying to access medical care. Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba warned that no individual or group has the authority to deny anyone healthcare services.
Mahlatsi’s message to Free State health workers was unequivocal: “Our duty is to provide care. Turning people away is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
