Recent incidents across the country have seen community members and some civic groups block undocumented migrants from receiving treatment at public health facilities. The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned these actions, highlighting the tension between protecting public services and upholding constitutional rights.

Jeffrey Mabunda, YIMOSA’s founder, pointed out that the Constitution guarantees healthcare rights to all individuals, but questions remain about how this applies to those without legal status.

“If the Constitution grants everyone the right to healthcare, what happens when someone who is undocumented needs medical attention?” Mabunda asked. “This has caused confusion, with some accusing the SAHRC of encouraging illegal access to public health resources.”

He pointed out that a definitive constitutional interpretation is urgently needed to clarify who is entitled to healthcare and to ease the tensions currently experienced at health facilities.

--ChannelAfrica--