Access to Healthcare for Undocumented Migrants in South Africa: A Legal and Humanitarian Dilemma

Corlett Letlojane, Executive Director of the Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA), recently addressed the contentious issue of undocumented foreign nationals accessing public healthcare facilities. In an interview, she highlighted concerns about unlawful disruptions, constitutional misinterpretations, and systemic corruption exacerbating the crisis.

Key Concerns: Violations of Law and Principle

Letlojane condemned recent raids on healthcare facilities by non-state actors, emphasizing that such actions undermine South Africa’s legal framework:

"The manner in which these disruptions have been conducted disrespects the law. Forced entries without proper documentation—even by citizens—breach the very principles we claim to protect."

She criticized the involvement of violent groups masquerading as defenders of democracy, warning that their actions threaten state security and democratic progress.

Constitutional Misunderstandings and Rights Limitations

When challenged about South Africans’ frustrations over resource shortages and immigration policies, Letlojane clarified:

"Rights in the Constitution are not absolute. They’re subject to limitations, and enforcement must balance protection with accountability."

She argued that the core issue lies in corrupt institutions—not migrants—citing investigative reports exposing the sale of birth certificates by Home Affairs officials.

Corruption: The Root Cause

Letlojane shifted focus to institutional failures:

"We’re blaming migrants, but officials are selling documentation. Over 300 fraudulent birth certificates were recently exposed—yet no arrests follow."

She called for collaboration with law enforcement to prosecute corruption, noting that poverty and unemployment cannot justify officials’ illicit trade in government documents.

Civil Society’s Role and Social Cohesion

In closing, Letlojane stressed the need for dialogue among citizens, NGOs, and authorities:

"We engage stakeholders, but some refuse discourse or even attack advocates. Social cohesion is vital to address these laws together."

She praised journalists for exposing corruption but urged broader institutional participation to restore trust.

Conclusion: A Call for Unified Action

The interview underscored a fractured system: conflicting interpretations of rights, vigilante violence, and corruption fuel the crisis. Letlojane’s analysis challenges South Africa to confront institutional rot while upholding humanitarian values—a path forward requiring unity, not division.

— Miss Corlett Letlojane is the Executive Director of the Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA).