South Africa/ Migrants barred from South African clinic in vigilante action

A South African anti-migrant group is blocking foreigners from accessing a public clinic north of Johannesburg, escalating a tense national debate over healthcare and xenophobia.

Activists from “Operation Dudula”, whose name means “to force out,” are stationed at the Diepsloot clinic’s entrance, checking identification and turning away anyone without a South African ID.

The group, which has evolved into a political party, has previously targeted other health facilities.

The scene is tense but calm, with those denied entry expressing resigned frustration. Sicelokuhle Moyo, a Zimbabwean who has lived in South Africa since 2006, was refused entry to collect her chronic medication because she only had a passport, not a local ID.

“I just feel like they do what they want because it’s their country. I don’t have a say,” said Tendai Musvava, a Mozambican national who also faced rejection.

South Africa is home to an estimated 2.4 million migrants, and anti-foreigner sentiment is a potent political issue.

Operation Dudula’s leader, Zandile Dabula, insists their clinic campaign is justified, despite authorities appearing unable to stop the unauthorized pickets.

The action highlights the growing reach of vigilante-style groups capitalizing on xenophobic tensions.