SAHRC loses court bid against Operation Dudula: 'God forbid anybody dies in the meantime'

An urgent court application by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to stop Operation Dudula’s alleged campaign against denying migrants access to healthcare services in KwaZulu-Natal has failed in the Durban High Court.

The court found that the case lacked urgency, though the commission maintains that lives could be at risk if such actions continue.

"God forbid anybody dies in the meantime," said Chris Nissen, SAHRC chairperson.

Nissen explained that the organisation acted after receiving multiple complaints from people allegedly denied treatment at hospitals and clinics.

"We thought that before anybody dies, we need to go to court."

Nissen said the commission planned to return to court to argue the case in full.

The SAHRC has urged authorities to engage constructively on the issue, insisting that access to healthcare was a constitutional right, regardless of citizenship status.

To listen to Nissen in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio below: