South Africans Outraged As SAHRC Backs Health Rights For Illegal Foreigners
South Africans have erupted in anger after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released a statement affirming that all persons within the country’s borders – including undocumented foreigners – have a constitutional right to healthcare. The announcement, made on 2 July 2025, has triggered a storm of criticism online, with many citizens accusing the commission of neglecting locals in favour of foreigners.
“Section 27(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, clearly states that: ‘Everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare’,” the SAHRC said.
The SAHRC clarified that the term “everyone” includes South African citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, documented and undocumented migrants, stateless persons, children, the elderly, and people in detention.
It also emphasised that, in terms of Section 27(3) of the Constitution:
“No one may be refused emergency medical treatment.”
This means public and private healthcare facilities must provide emergency care withoutd discrimination.
“We are being sidelined in our own country”
Ordinary South Africans took to X to express their fury. Many questioned how a cash-strapped health system, already struggling with staff shortages, overcrowding and long queues, could accommodate undocumented foreigners.
@johny_theblessd wrote:
“I have never seen a commission as useless as this one. Even illegals?”
@B_Celona added:
“This commission is for foreigners. Simple. South African citizens, we are on our own.”
@Muzi55555036 raised constitutional concerns:
“Shouldn’t the word ‘everyone’ be interpreted to mean ‘citizens’ as contained in Chapter 1 of the Constitution?”
@MzilaAkhona proposed a solution:
“They are welcome in private clinics and hospitals.”
Other users shared personal experiences and deep frustration. @Beezy0001 painted a bleak picture of life for South Africans relying on public health:
“Our grandmothers wake up at 4am to be at the clinic at 5 or 6 to get blood pressure medication. They spend the whole day there, taking skaftin (packed food) just to see the doctor.”
Another, @mthosammy, lamented:
“Bayasnyela ithina eskhokha itax nx every month ngkhokha 38k”
(They are defecating on us, the taxpayers. I pay R38,000 [~USD 2,080] in tax every month.)
@neville_mckay added:
“It’s not for SA citizens and the saddest thing is that we are paying their salaries.”
SAHRC stands by constitutional obligation
Despite the wave of backlash, the SAHRC insists it is upholding the law and the Constitution, which guarantees basic rights to everyone, regardless of immigration status.
“Such practices are not only unethical and unlawful but also inconsistent with South Africa’s obligations under both domestic and international human rights law,” the Commission stated.
The SAHRC further warned that no civic group or individual has the legal right to deny access to healthcare or to enforce immigration laws.
“Only the Department of Home Affairs, supported by the South African Police Service, has the power to inspect, arrest, or detain undocumented persons,” said the SAHRC.
The commission also acknowledged challenges within the healthcare system, citing staffing shortages, limited bed spaces, and long queues. However, it said this could not justify discrimination at health facilities, and called on health professionals to treat all patients equally.
“Access to healthcare is central to the right to dignity, the right to life, and the right to equality. The denial of healthcare on discriminatory grounds undermines the constitutional promise of a just, inclusive, and caring society,” the SAHRC said.
It also urged the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and encouraged those with grievances to file formal complaints through the appropriate channels.
“Manning of clinics and hospital entrances, citing challenges with accessing healthcare services, is a violation of human rights.”
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The post “Useless Organisation”: South Africans Fume As SAHRC Declares That Illegal Foreigners Have Right To Health Care appeared first on iHarare News.
