Zimbabwe's Human Rights Chairperson Jessie Majome calls for compassion and unity as access to healthcare services rises tensions in South Africa. Image credit: Zimbabwe Wonen Lawyers Association
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Chairperson Jessie Majome urges South Africans to show understanding and compassion toward people’s needs.
Majome called for humanity in handling difficult issues, highlighting the assistance other countries provided to South Africans during the apartheid era as an example of Ubuntu—a spirit of togetherness and compassion among Africans.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Majome said, “That humanity, that Ubuntu that we Africans have, should continue to prevail, pervade, and lead such discussions and actions because, at the end of the day, we really are one people. There might be issues here and there, but it does not detract from our shared humanity.”
Majome has been engaging in talks with South African Public Protector Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka in efforts to resolve the issue of illegal foreign nationals being barred from accessing healthcare services by Operation Dudula and the March March Movement. She is set to meet Gcaleka for further discussions aimed at finding permanent solutions, which she hopes will yield positive outcomes for all citizens.
“We agreed that, for the benefit of our countries and their nationals, this is not a problem that cannot be resolved. As Southern African neighbors and Africans, we can find lasting solutions to de-escalate this very unfortunate, needless, and avoidable issue. We are human beings who require our dignity and rights to be respected,” said Majome.
In recent weeks, Operation Dudula and the March March Movement have intensified their efforts against illegal foreign nationals by barring them from healthcare facilities. The groups have blocked hospital and clinic entrances, allowing only South Africans and documented immigrants to enter.
Majome fears that Zimbabweans residing legally in South Africa could be negatively affected if acts of intolerance and xenophobic attacks escalate.
She also emphasized that improving Zimbabwe’s healthcare system could help minimize similar incidents in the future.
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