The KZN Department of Health has condemned the ‘abuse of public health services and unlawful acts of vigilantism’ in relation to the ongoing protest outside Addington Hospital in Durban.

Berea Mail reports that since the start of July, members of the March and March movement have stationed themselves at the gates of the hospital, checking the identity documents of people entering the government healthcare facility.

March and March Durban leader Teresa Nortje said they were assisting government and healthcare workers at the South Beach-based hospital, which is ‘overwhelmed by foreign nationals’.

“We are enforcing Section 17 of the South African Constitution,” said Nortje. “If you want to use the clinic, you need to be a South African citizen and a valid taxpayer.” Non-South Africans are reportedly turned away and denied entry to the hospital.

Health department condemns protest

In a statement, the department condemned this, along with ‘the actions of individuals and organised groups who take the law into their own hands by targeting health facilities and obstructing access to services’.

According to KZN Health: “As much as the department expresses concern over the undue burden placed on the system by undocumented migrants, we strongly reject unlawful actions that prevent any sick individual from receiving medical assistance. No member of the public or structure has the legal or moral authority to block others from accessing healthcare. These illegal actions are not only unconstitutional, but they also pose a serious risk to public health.”

The department also addressed the issue of undocumented foreign nationals, stating: “We unequivocally condemn undocumented foreign nationals who unlawfully cross into South Africa with the sole intention of unduly accessing our public health services. While our health institutions remain committed to upholding basic human rights and ethical healthcare standards, the increasing and unauthorised influx of undocumented individuals continues to place significant pressure on our already strained and underfunded public health system.”

Healthcare rights outlined

The Witness reports that KZN is currently battling outbreaks of measles, seasonal influenza, and new Covid-19 variants.

“Every sick person must be assessed and managed by health professionals, regardless of nationality,” said the department.

It cited legislation guaranteeing access to health services:

• Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees the right to healthcare and emergency medical treatment for all.
• The National Health Act 61 of 2003 provides for access to primary healthcare, regardless of immigration status.
• The Refugees Act 130 of 1998 protects the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, including their right to medical care.
• The Immigration Act 13 of 2002 allows facilities to inquire about legal status but prohibits withholding emergency treatment.

Mixed public reaction

Berea Mail reports mixed reactions to the movement’s protest, with some calling the campaign inhumane while others supported the cause.

Crispin Hemson, a Durban resident who visited Addington Hospital, said: “At the entrance my way was obstructed by unidentified people who were asking for IDs. I asked them what gave them the right to do this, and they said they were not allowing foreigners through, claiming Section 17 of the Constitution prohibited foreigners from using public hospitals. In reality, the Constitution does not state this at all. Section 17 is about the right to peaceful protest and states nothing about health facilities.”

Conversely, Amanda Khuzwayo, who attended the Gateway clinic, said she was in and out within two hours. “There used to be long queues and now it’s quiet. This goes to show who was really benefiting from the clinic. It is sad that people are being turned away, but the results of the campaign speak for themselves.”

Clarity on ID requirement confusion

Meanwhile, The Witness reports the eThekwini Municipality has addressed social media confusion over a clinic notice that appeared to suggest patients without identity documents would be turned away.

In a clarification, the City confirmed that ID requests are standard administrative practice during a first visit to open a patient file but are not a condition for receiving care.

“Once a file has been opened, patients are not required to bring their ID for future visits,” the statement read.

The Department of Health has called on law enforcement agencies to act decisively against anyone obstructing access to health services and urged residents to raise concerns through lawful channels.

“Disrupting services endangers lives — especially those of vulnerable South Africans in critical condition — and undermines the very essence of public healthcare delivery.”