Johannesburg – South Africa’s anti-immigrant group, Operation Dudula, says it will keep verifying the nationalities of patients at public hospitals and clinics, despite a Gauteng High Court ruling barring the group from restricting access to anyone suspected of being an undocumented foreign national.
The court decision clarified that the organisation has no legal authority to demand identification before people receive healthcare. The ruling comes amid growing public debate over the rights of foreign nationals and access to public services.
Group leader Zandile Dabula said they plan to appeal the ruling but insisted their actions are lawful. “Our way forward is that we are going to continue with our operations. That is the only reason why we are going to appeal, because an appeal will set aside the judgment. I don’t think South Africans are ready for this because the hype out there is that people are tired of the illegality from foreigners,” she said.
The ruling has drawn attention across the region, highlighting tensions over immigration and public service access in South Africa, even as legal authorities maintain protections for all residents seeking healthcare.
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