ActionSA Member of Parliament and Health Portfolio Committee member Dr. Kgosi Letlape has sharply criticized the South African government for allegedly prioritizing the rights of undocumented foreign nationals over citizens in the public healthcare system. His remarks come amid growing tensions over groups blocking foreign nationals from accessing healthcare facilities, particularly in Gauteng.
Healthcare System Overburdened, Says Letlape
During a recent interview, Dr. Letlape highlighted the strain on South Africa’s public healthcare system, citing instances where hospitals operate at 140% capacity, with foreign nationals allegedly comprising over 40% of patients in some areas. In certain clinics, he claimed, the figure rises to 70%.
“If you remove undocumented foreign nationals from the public healthcare system, the burden would reduce drastically,” Letlape argued. He emphasized that many foreign nationals seek routine care, not just emergency treatment, further overwhelming the system.
Call for Constitutional Amendment
Letlape called for an amendment to Section 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees healthcare access to “everyone.” He proposed limiting this right to citizens and permanent residents, aligning with practices in other countries.
“We cannot afford to provide healthcare services to the globe,” he said. “Our system is already insufficient for 84% of South Africans who rely on public healthcare.”
Condemning Vigilantism but Demanding Law Enforcement
While Letlape denounced the blocking of healthcare facilities by groups like Operation Dudula, he blamed the government’s failure to enforce immigration laws for rising vigilantism.
“When authorities fail to do their job, they promote vigilantism,” he said, referencing instances where communities take the law into their own hands. He urged officials to report undocumented foreigners to immigration authorities after treatment.
Human Rights Concerns Dismissed
When questioned about potential human rights violations, Letlape argued that foreign nationals should enter South Africa with health insurance or pay for services.
“We are not violating their rights; we are asking them to respect our laws,” he said. “No country in the world provides free healthcare to all eight billion people on the planet.”
Broader Implications
Letlape linked the healthcare crisis to similar issues in education, where undocumented learners allegedly displace South African children. He accused the government of neglecting citizens’ dignity while protecting “law-breakers.”
Government Response
The Health Department has condemned the blocking of healthcare access, stating it violates the Constitution. However, Letlape insists that without policy changes, the system will remain unsustainable.
What’s Next?
ActionSA has submitted a constitutional amendment proposal, pushing for stricter healthcare eligibility. As debates intensify, the tension between human rights obligations and resource constraints continues to fuel national discourse.
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