Zimbabwean Nationals Threaten to Leave South Africa Over Clinic Access Denials, Demand Arrest of Operation Dudula Leaders.

Johannesburg, 22 August 2025 – Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa have issued a stern warning, threatening to leave the country en masse if they continue to be denied access to public healthcare facilities. The community is also demanding the arrest of leaders of Operation Dudula, an anti-immigrant group accused of blocking foreign nationals from clinics and hospitals, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

The controversy stems from incidents where Operation Dudula members have been reported to demand identification documents from patients, preventing those without valid papers from receiving medical care. On 25 June 2025, the group disrupted access to Johannesburg’s Hillbrow Clinic, targeting foreign nationals, including a woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo who was denied entry despite showing her asylum permit. Similar actions were reported at Diepsloot Ext 7 Clinic, where patients like Bheki Ndlovu were barred from collecting essential ARV medication.

Zimbabweans, many of whom are economic or political refugees, argue that these actions violate South Africa’s Constitution, which guarantees everyone access to basic healthcare under Section 27. The Immigration Act also stipulates that only immigration officers and police can demand documentation, rendering Operation Dudula’s actions unlawful.

Frustrated by ongoing harassment, the Zimbabwean community has called for decisive government action against Operation Dudula leaders, including Zandile Dabula, who has defended the group’s actions as a means to prioritize South Africans. Posts on X reflect the escalating tension, with some Zimbabweans expressing exhaustion from xenophobic attacks and warning of economic consequences if they leave, given their contributions to South Africa’s labor market.

The South African government has condemned these actions, with Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi warning Operation Dudula against blocking healthcare access. The National Department of Health and the South African Human Rights Commission have reiterated that denying medical care is unconstitutional and discriminatory. Legal challenges against Operation Dudula are ongoing, with civil society groups seeking court orders to stop the harassment and ensure access to healthcare and schools for migrants.

The Mthwakazi Republic Party has petitioned President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing the government of inaction and complicity in xenophobia. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has stated that the government cannot assist its citizens with healthcare costs in South Africa, leaving many feeling abandoned.

As tensions rise, the potential exodus of Zimbabwean migrants could impact South Africa’s economy, particularly in sectors reliant on their labor. The government faces mounting pressure to address these human rights violations and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.