South Africa’s Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, has dismissed claims that her office has engaged the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) over the alleged denial of healthcare to Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa, amid growing tensions over access to public services by foreign nationals.
This comes after media reports and comments by ZHRC Chairperson Jessie Majome suggested that the two watchdog institutions had recently discussed growing concerns over xenophobic attacks and the exclusion of Zimbabwean expatriates from public health facilities, allegedly at the hands of vigilante groups like Operation Dudula.
In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday, the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) said it had no record of any such complaint or conversation.
“Following numerous media inquiries, the PPSA wishes to clarify that it has no record of a complaint lodged by the ZHRC concerning the denial of Zimbabwean nationals’ access to healthcare services in South Africa,” said PPSA spokesperson Ndili Msoki.
“At no point did the discussions then, or recently, focus on the denial of healthcare services to Zimbabwean nationals.”
The rebuttal follows a televised interview in which Majome told Newzroom Afrika that she had recent discussions with the South African Public Protector’s office regarding the alleged discrimination faced by Zimbabweans in South African health institutions.
Majome’s remarks triggered a public backlash, with some South Africans accusing the Public Protector of meddling in foreign affairs and allowing foreign nationals to “demand rights” while ignoring service delivery concerns for locals.
But the PPSA maintains that the last official engagement with the ZHRC occurred in 2023, and was focused on institutional strengthening, anti-corruption strategies, and service delivery best practices — including general conversations about healthcare systems in both countries.
“The Public Protector’s office merely shared documents at the ZHRC’s request to help strengthen their investigative processes in Zimbabwe,” said Msoki.
“There was no discussion about healthcare denial or any complaints raised concerning Zimbabwean nationals.”
The denial of any formal engagement over Zimbabwean healthcare access comes as anti-migrant sentiment escalates in parts of South Africa. Fringe groups such as Operation Dudula have been reported blocking undocumented foreign nationals from accessing clinics, claiming they overburden an already stretched public health system.
While South Africa’s government has repeatedly stated its commitment to human rights, it also acknowledges concerns over undocumented migration, public service strain, and xenophobic violence.
Observers say the PPSA’s swift denial may be a way to manage diplomatic sensitivities, even as regional migration pressures continue to test relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The PPSA reiterated that unless a formal complaint is lodged, the Public Protector cannot initiate any investigation or mediation regarding Zimbabweans’ access to healthcare in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the ZHRC has not issued a follow-up statement to clarify the remarks made by its Chairperson.
