As tensions rise around access to public healthcare in South Africa, Zimbabweans living in the country are finding themselves in an increasingly difficult position.
With many reportedly being turned away from hospitals, they were hoping for support from home.
But that hope has just been dashed by a blunt response from their own government.
Justice Minister Says Zimbabwe Can’t Help Those Abroad
Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, recently made it crystal clear—if you’re living outside the country, you’re on your own.
When asked in Parliament what the government was doing to help Zimbabwean citizens being denied medical treatment in South African hospitals, Ziyambi didn’t sugarcoat his answer.
He told MPs that Zimbabwe’s current budget is already under massive strain trying to meet the needs of citizens at home.
“We can barely afford to help those in Zimbabwe,” he said flatly. “How can we help those outside?”
Government Refuses to Intervene in South Africa
Ziyambi argued that Zimbabweans who left the country, mostly for work, did so by choice and must now play by the rules of their host nations.
“We can’t go chasing after our people in other countries to assist them,” he said.
He even pointed out that if the situation were reversed—if a South African needed care in Zimbabwe—the South African government wouldn’t be footing the bill for them either.
Anti-Immigrant Sentiment Grows in South Africa
Meanwhile in South Africa, pressure is mounting on the healthcare system.
Activist groups like Operation Dudula have reportedly taken aggressive stances against undocumented migrants, including some Zimbabweans, demanding they be denied access to public hospitals.
Their argument? That South African citizens should always come first, and that foreign nationals—especially those without proper papers—should pay for any medical services they receive.
Not Everyone Agrees With the Ban
Not all South African officials are on board with the harsh treatment of foreigners.
Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko recently spoke to Newzroom Afrika, saying she found it heartbreaking that people were being turned away from healthcare facilities.
She openly disagreed with the idea of denying anyone access to basic medical care, regardless of where they’re from.
Should Governments Step In to Help Citizens Abroad?
This situation raises a big question—should governments take responsibility for citizens who have left their home country, especially in times of crisis?
Or is it up to the host nation to provide care once someone relocates?