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What’s driving anti-immigrant healthcare blockades? Sharon Ekambaram from Lawyers for Human Rights says it’s everything from the sky-high cost of Zimbabwean passports and corruption to South Africa’s institutionalised xenophobia — and a growing global intolerance of migrants. (Bhekisisa team)
ASYLUM SEEKERS
Video

Court orders government, police to block vigilantes from two clinics — and put up warnings at entrances

The judgment complements a November ruling meant to stop groups such as Operation Dudula from blocking foreign nationals from entering government hospitals and clinics and…

  • Tanya Pampalone
  • Mia Malan
  • Anna-Maria van Niekerk
  • Jessica Pitchford
  • Thatego Mashabela
8 min read
South Africa has a structural unemployment problem that is not primarily caused by increased labour migration. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy/M&G
2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

ActionSA pushes for constitutional change as Operation Dudula  targets migrants at clinics

The Human Rights Commission and legal experts say the Constitution, the National Health Act, the UN Refugee Convention and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights…

  • Mandisa Makgakga
4 min read
The demand for donor organs far outstrips the supply because data is not shared, not all hospitals are equipped to do transplants and the National Health Act is inadequate. Photo: Burger/Phanie /AFP
DONATIONS

South Africa needs better policies to deal with the organ donation crisis

The demand for donor organs far outstrips the supply because data is not shared, not all hospitals are equipped to do transplants and the National Health Act is inadequate

  • Linda Pretorius
  • Christina Pitt
12 min read
(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
COVID 19

People must use common sense says health department as mask mandate deadline approaches

Our focus should shift to preventing deaths and being ready for future health crises, say experts

  • Bongeka Gumede
  • Chris Bateman
6 min read
Joe Phaahla. (Photo by Jaco Marais/Die Burger/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
COVID 19

MPs worried Health Act amendments will threaten citizens’ autonomy

More than 150 000 public comments were sent to the department of health after the government suspended the national state of disaster

  • Kimberley Schoeman
4 min read
Up to one in five people can get long COVID — a condition in which someone keeps on feeling ill for months after their initial symptoms have cleared up. (Paul Botes)
CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Covid-19 hospital admissions low but virus still a threat

Some coronavirus restrictions will remain as South Africa shifts out of the national state of disaster

  • Kimberley Schoeman
2 min read