Operation Dudula members turn away suspected foreign nationals at Kalafong hospital

Government has condemned actions of Operation Dudula members who have been preventing people from accessing healthcare services at Kalafong hospital in Atteridgeville based on the colour of their skin and language.

This comes after a dark-skinned Venda speaking woman was left hurt after she was confronted by Operation Dudula members who were preventing foreign nationals from gaining access into the hospital on Monday.

“Is it because of the darkness of my skin?” the 28-year-old woman asked as she was questioned and accused of being a foreign national by the Dudula members.

The group has been picketing and targeting foreign nationals outside the hospital in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria for several days. They turned away patients who they believed were foreigners, claiming they are draining the country’s resources.

This was despite an interdict by the High Court in Pretoria preventing them from protesting outside the health facility.

Speaking to Radio 702, Kalafong Hospital CEO Sello Matjila said patients have been turned away.

“Our staff have no free movement. I mean even during the day, I imagine that if someone wants to go buy food just across the hospital, they cannot do that anymore because this group is just lurking outside the hospital,” Matjila said.

Operation Dudula has vowed to continue with their picket until the hospital tightens its control measures at the entrance in a bid to channel resources to who they believe is deserving.

Source: Eyewitness News, The Citizen, IOL, Sowetan Live, image from Twitter

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

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