SIYABONGA SITHOLE
The EFF says it condemns this week's 'xenophobic' attacks by members of Operation Dudula Movement against foreign nationals seeking healthcare help at Kalafong Hospital and other hospitals in the province.
This week, members of the movement have been turning away patients visiting the Atteridgeville hospital based on their language, skin colour and accent. The movement also did the same outside Hillbrow hospital. On Wednesday, a standoff between members of the EFF and the movement resulted in a scuffle and fistfight outside Kalafong Hospital.
"The EFF condemns the xenophobic attack against our African neighbours. South African law does in no way permit protesters to deny migrants access to medical care, this blatant human rights violation and those responsible must be held accountable," the EFF said.
The party also accused the Department of Health of failing in its mandate to provide quality healthcare to the people of the country, as a result, they have resorted to cheap propaganda which seeks to label immigrants as responsible for collapsing the country's healthcare system.
"Migrants are not to blame for the collapse of the healthcare system, Operation Dudula Movement and similar elements should rather direct their anger to those found guilty of looting hospital money on skinny jeans like in the case of Tembisa Hospital," said EFF.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla is expected to visit Kalafong Hospital as part of his oversight visit following reports of vetting of foreigners by members of the movement.
"The department reiterates a call by government to condemn actions of those preventing people from accessing health facilities based on nationality, colour of their skin and the language they speak," the minister said ahead of his visit.
The minister added that it is against individuals and organisations camping outside hospitals as this threatens the lives of healthcare workers and patients and he called on law enforcement agencies to act against those responsible.