SA citizens should not enforce immigration law - minister

The health minister of South Africa has issued a warning that it is not the responsibility of common citizens to uphold the nation's immigration laws.

Joe Phaahla visited a hospital in Pretoria where Operation Dudula protesters had been attempting to block international patients from receiving care.

Although members of Operation Dudula have been accused of xenophobia, they contend that foreigners are burdening the nation's healthcare system.

According to Mr. Phaahla, more and more people are traveling to South Africa for medical care from nearby nations and as far away as India.

And he added that South Africa will eventually be unable to handle the situation if this kept happening.

But he emphasized that everyone who resided in the country had a right to obtain healthcare, as stated in the constitution.

In defiance of a court ruling, protesters have persisted in demanding that patients identify themselves before being admitted to the hospital.

People with darker skin tones are allegedly being singled out and pressured to demonstrate their proficiency in the local tongue.

Violence broke out between Operation Dudula participants and opposing protesters earlier on Thursday outside the hospital.

Rubber bullets were shot by police to separate the two groups.

The government does not record the number of foreign nationals using health facilities. But there is increasing concern in South Africa about the impact of undocumented immigrants on the country’s health system.