Nigerians living in South Africa have raised alarm over renewed xenophobic harassment by a militant anti-migrant group, Operation Dudula, which they accuse of blocking foreign nationals’ access to public hospitals.
Community leaders say the group’s actions have left some migrants, including pregnant women stranded outside healthcare facilities.
Disturbing reports have emerged of Nigerian women giving birth on bare floors after being turned away from hospitals.
A viral video circulating online shows a Dudula leader ordering hospital staff to eject foreigners. “If you know yourself that you are not a South African, stand up right now,” the man is heard shouting as frightened patients are forced out.
Nigerian associations are calling for urgent diplomatic intervention to prevent a repeat of the deadly xenophobic attacks that rocked South Africa in previous years.
President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, Frank Onyekwelu described the harassment as “a fresh wave of xenophobia.”
“Imagine a woman giving birth on a bare floor in front of a hospital without antenatal care or a midwife. Some patients are being discharged without treatment. In a life-or-death situation, they just die like chickens,” he lamented.
Onyekwelu said Nigerian doctors are stepping in to assist where possible, while political groups and immigration bodies have been contacted to intervene.
President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Smart Nwobi confirmed that Nigerians were being barred from hospitals, even when they had scheduled appointments.
“It is really alarming. We are appealing to the government to deploy security agents to protect public facilities so that criminals will not continue taking the law into their hands,” Nwobi said, noting that Operation Dudula is not a government agency but a coalition of locals accusing foreigners of taking jobs and resources.
He revealed that some Dudula leaders themselves have dual citizenship and questioned their moral authority to dictate who qualifies as South African.
Despite condemnation from authorities, the group’s activities continue.
Human rights advocates warn that denying foreigners access to public healthcare violates Section 27 of the South African Constitution, which guarantees the right to healthcare services for everyone.
Former Nigerian Consul to Cameroon, Rasheed Akinkuolie, called the acts “criminal and illegal,” likening them to apartheid-era oppression.
“Why are they targeting only Black foreigners and leaving whites untouched? This is thuggery meant to tarnish South Africa’s image,” he said, urging Abuja to summon South Africa’s ambassador for explanations.
Retired Ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode warned that continued harassment could damage bilateral relations and weaken African unity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that African ambassadors in South Africa are engaging the government to find a permanent solution.
