Jessie Majome advocates for Zimbabweans’ access to healthcare in South Africa

Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission chairperson Jessie Majome has called on South Africans to show compassion toward Zimbabwean migrants.

She reminded the public of the historic solidarity Zimbabwe offered during South Africa’s liberation struggle

Jessie Majome speaks on SA-Zim relations

“During the struggle for South Africa’s independence, a lot of African countries, including Zimbabwe, hosted South Africans,” Majome said in an interview on Newzroom Afrika.

Her comments come amid growing outrage over the denial of healthcare to undocumented Zimbabweans in South Africa.

In recent months, protestors have escalated their actions, with groups like Operation Dudula blocking access to hospitals such as Kalafong in Gauteng.

They have positioned themselves outside clinics, demanding identity documents and refusing entry to those who can’t prove their legal status.

This continues despite Section 27 of South Africa’s Constitution, which guarantees emergency medical treatment for everyone, regardless of nationality.

Constitutional right

In July 2025, the South African Human Rights Commission reaffirmed that healthcare is a constitutional right.

The commission condemned the unlawful gatekeeping and the ongoing policy confusion that enables some hospitals to ignore legal obligations.

Legal challenges are now in motion to address exclusionary practices, particularly in Gauteng.

Majome’s message was clear: Africans must return to a spirit of empathy and justice.

“Some of the Zimbabweans who are in South Africa are in South Africa regularly and legitimately,” Majome said.

“But if there is intolerance and xenophobia, even those who are contributing to the economy of South Africa also bear the brand of negative attitudes, which are not helpful for South Africa. The bottom line is that we should and we can find the lasting solutions…”