South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has hinted that he will confront Zimbabwe over the growing immigration crisis.
This comes after a rant by Limpopo MEC Phophi Ramathuba “embarrassing” a patient seeking surgery at Bela Bela hospital last week.
Rhamaposa says; “it is an important issue,” highlighting that it would be escalated to “head of state level.”
“The MEC of health in Limpopo has raised an important issue how service provision is affected by migration, that is an important issue that is on the top of minds of many South Africans and indeed it is part and parcel of having to deal with the whole issue of a framework around migration and not only on our continent but elsewhere as people move around the world,” Ramaphosa said during a question and answer session in parliament.
“One of the issues they are asked is are you able to make provision for any service that might have to be offered to you in any shape or form so that is part of that whole process of having to deal with migration so the MEC has raised an important issue which is currently under debate.”
He added “It is a matter that is going to enjoy quite a lot of attendance even as we meet at head of states level to discuss what precisely the movement of people should really entail, what should accompany that in the form of services, health issues criminality and the rule of law, so all those matters are matters that are germane to the whole process of migration.”
“Of course she raised it in the presence of a patient and I guess such an important issue could have been raised another way but that as it may, it has been raised and it has evoked debate not only in our country but also in Zimbabwe and also the rest of the continent,” said Ramaphosa.
The video widely shared on social media last week shows Ramathuba confronting a patient over an influx of Zimbabweans into South Africa for treatment.
According to Ramathuba, South Africa’s health care system is treating more foreigners than locals.
“Now I’m here, instead of using the budget for what it’s meant for I’m operating for what Mnangagwa is supposed to do.”
“You know Stats SA goes to count people during census and tell that in Limpopo you have 5,7 million people, and tell me that out of 5,7 million 91 % do not have medical aid,” she added.
“They are dependent on the State and only nine percent depend on private doctors.”, shows Ramathuba scolding an unidentified patient seeking surgery at Bela Bela hospital in Limpopo province, South Africa.
Diplomatic tension is unfolding between the neighbours sparked by a growing immigration crisis.
The Zimbabwean government, has remained mute over the issue ,while treading carefully to avoid antagonising South Africa which is on the verge of ejecting 200 000 special permit holders.
South Africa remains an important regional player, boasting of a thriving economy, making it a more viable option for migration.
But this has piled pressure on its health services among other things, prompting a tough diplomatic stance.
