Voices against illegal foreigners amplify amidst NPO pushback
At the height of protests against illegal foreigners in Durban and surrounding areas, civic organisations are decrying the unfair exclusion and blockades at hospitals and clinics, and blaming law enforcement and government for failing to intervene.
AT the core of the ongoing, intensified protests against illegal foreigners in hospitals, places of employment, and schools, lies what the Denis Hurley Centre (DHC) has cited as “vigilantes trying to rule the streets and health care system”.
For the past six months, March and March has taken up the cause to fight illegal immigration in Durban, and has since gained momentum in other parts of the country. In hospitals, the members are still seen blocking access for illegal immigrants. They have vowed to extend their cause to schools, come the beginning of 2026. The organisation has attracted support from other anti-illegal immigrants in the country and some political parties.
Also read: WATCH: Foreign nationals stopped from entering Addington Hospital Gateway Clinic
Director of the DHC Raymond Perrier admits that their efforts to counter blockades have not been fruitful, which puts added strain on the DHC Clinic.
“It would be wonderful if, 14 weeks after the protests started, we could report good news. But sadly not. The vigilantes are still continuing their completely illegal blockade of hospitals. Meanwhile police and government officials stand at the sides failing to intervene and increasingly medical staff seem to be complicit in the actions,” he said.
Also read: Illegal immigrants swept up in Operation New Broom
“The impact of this on ordinary families is seen daily at the DHC clinic since many of the rejected patients are coming to us in search of life-saving healthcare. Now that people’s supplies are running out, we are seeing more and more patients needing insulin for diabetes and anti-hypertension drugs which they would have usually collected from Addington Hospital,” Perrier added.
A legal case supported by the DHC and a number of other stakeholders is edging forward, and Perrier indicates that in the meantime, they are pleased with help and support received from good Samaritans, enabling them to be able to address the challenges.
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