Keypoints:
- Anti-migrant group blocks Nigerians from hospitals
- Union demands legal and diplomatic response
- Tinubu urged to act as crisis worsens
THE Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has condemned what it described as a disturbing campaign by an anti-migrant group in South Africa that is preventing Nigerians and other foreign nationals from accessing treatment in public hospitals.
Speaking in an interview with Nigerian newspaper, The Punch, NUSA President Smart Nwobi said the group, known as Operation Dudula, has been targeting foreigners in healthcare facilities since early 2025, unlawfully demanding proof of citizenship before patients are allowed entry.
‘Unlawful and xenophobic’ actions
Nwobi, a human rights lawyer, stressed that the actions of Operation Dudula have no legal basis. He pointed out that Section 27 of South Africa’s 1996 Constitution guarantees access to healthcare for everyone, irrespective of nationality.
‘This is clearly xenophobic and unlawful. Members of Operation Dudula are simply taking the law into their own hands by chasing away foreigners, including Nigerians, from hospitals,’ he said.
According to him, doctors in the country have resisted the pressure, insisting their professional oath does not permit them to deny care based on nationality.
Government stance
South Africa’s Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, has publicly criticised the group, saying its activities violate existing laws. He warned that only parliament has the authority to change healthcare policy.
‘If they want to stop foreigners from using public hospitals, they must go through elections, win, and change the law. They cannot stop doctors from attending to patients at will,’ Motsoaledi said, according to Nwobi.
Nigerians resorting to self-medication
Nwobi said the consequences of the harassment have been severe. Many Nigerians now avoid public hospitals altogether, relying instead on self-medication or costly private facilities.
‘We receive daily reports of Nigerians suffering or even dying because they are afraid to seek help at government hospitals. It is a tragic and urgent matter,’ he told The Punch.
Union pushes for diplomatic action
The Nigerian Union South Africa has written to the Nigerian Consulate and is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene at the diplomatic level. Nwobi disclosed that the union has also partnered with the African Diaspora Forum and other migrant organisations to launch legal action against the group.
‘We are calling on President Tinubu to intervene. The embassy has so far not taken effective steps, but this issue cannot wait. Nigerians here are desperate for protection,’ he said.
Wider threat beyond healthcare
Nwobi warned that the attacks could spread beyond the health sector, citing threats by Operation Dudula to block foreign children from attending public schools next year.
‘This is a coordinated campaign. First, they targeted small businesses, now healthcare, and next it could be education. Nigerians are among the worst affected,’ he added.
Growing Nigerian community in South Africa
An estimated 800,000 Nigerians currently live in South Africa, according to NUSA’s figures. While the majority of South Africans, Nwobi noted, are welcoming, he said anti-migrant sentiments among a vocal minority continue to fuel hostility.
‘The majority of South Africans are good people. Unfortunately, a few with limited exposure are leading this anti-migrant campaign,’ he said.
Nwobi concluded by urging African leaders to address economic problems at home in order to reduce migration pressures and the xenophobic backlash that follows.
‘If African governments can fix their countries, there will be less movement and less hostility,’ he said.
