Monday 18 August 2025
By Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube |
Zim GBC News Editor
Bulawayo – Human rights groups and civic society are expressing deepening alarm over the Zimbabwean government’s muted response to escalating xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where vigilante group Operation Dudula is now specifically targeting Zimbabwean immigrants seeking healthcare.
The latest wave of violence, dubbed “March to March” by Operation Dudula, has seen members forcibly remove sick individuals, including Zimbabweans, from hospital beds and block children from receiving vaccinations. This comes despite South Africa’s constitution explicitly guaranteeing the right to healthcare for all individuals within its borders, regardless of nationality.
With Zimbabweans constituting the largest immigrant population in South Africa – over 1 million people, or 35% of all immigrants according to the 2022 SA census – they disproportionately bear the brunt of such xenophobic campaigns. Historically, foreigners, particularly Zimbabweans, have been scapegoated for unemployment and social problems.
“The scenes emerging from South African hospitals are horrifying and blatantly illegal,” stated Amanda Moyo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum.
“Operation Dudula members are acting with impunity, denying vulnerable people, including children, life-saving medical care. Where is the urgent voice of our own government protecting its citizens?”
While South African Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi and the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party have publicly condemned Operation Dudula’s actions, Zimbabwe’s response has been criticised as woefully inadequate. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi sparked outrage last month by reportedly suggesting Zimbabweans denied healthcare in South Africa were “on their own.”
“This isn’t just indifference; Minister Ziyambi’s comments effectively greenlight further abuse,” said Tinashe Chikara, a Harare-based human rights lawyer.
“When citizens are being dragged from hospital beds in a neighbouring country, it constitutes a humanitarian emergency. Silence is complicity. The government must immediately engage Pretoria at the highest levels, activate consular support, and demand protection for our people.”
Critics argue the government’s “radio silence” ignores the immediate danger.
“People will die if they cannot access medication or treatment,” warned Dr. Thabani Ndlovu of Doctors for Human Rights Zimbabwe.
“A responsible government would be in crisis mode right now – identifying those at risk, collaborating with South African authorities to ensure hospital access, and providing urgent consular assistance. Pretoria must also be pressured to dismantle these violent groups.”
The targeting of health institutions marks a dangerous escalation in Operation Dudula’s campaign, which feeds off growing anti-immigrant sentiment. Observers stress that Zimbabwe must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete diplomatic steps to safeguard its citizens facing persecution abroad.
Zim GBC News Calls for Action: We urge the Zimbabwean government to immediately:
- Publicly and unequivocally condemn Operation Dudula’s attacks on Zimbabweans.
- Engage the South African government through diplomatic channels to demand protection for Zimbabwean nationals.
- Activate emergency consular services to assist affected citizens in South Africa.
- Collaborate with SA authorities to ensure healthcare access is upheld.
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