Anti-immigrant sentiment unfolding on the streets has the very real potential for the kind of violence which took 62 lives in 2008, including 27 South Africans, and has hardened since the COVID-19 pandemic.
On healthcare, the National Health Act is explicit: anyone not on medical aid, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, is entitled to free primary healthcare services.
But the National Health Insurance NHI Act as it is written would do the opposite: it bans many foreigners from getting HIV treatment.
The NHI roll-out is on pause, while the Constitutional Court is considering if fair processes were followed for it to become law a judgment is not expected until December or early 2027.
But regardless of the ruling, scientists and activists will fight hard to have the clause about access to HIV treatment for foreigners adjusted.
Mia Malan asked Motsoaledi if hed be prepared to start a process to get the Act changed, should the Constitutional Court rule the Act can go ahead.
Intodays newsletter, Mia Malan team asks could the NHI fuel anti-immigrant sentiment?.Sign up for our newsletter today.
There is no government deadline. In fact, nothing exists outside of a fake flyer circulating on social media warning foreigners they will be arrested, detained or deported unless they leave the country. The kind of nothing that blocked clinic doors for months, demanding papers from suspected non-nationals without any legal right. Which is to say this fake deadline of 30 June is very real indeed.
As is the anti-immigrant sentiment unfolding on the streets that has the very real potential for the kind of violence which took 62 lives in 2008, including 27 South Africans, and has hardened since the COVID-19 pandemic.
