Health Minister Motsoaledi says court ruling against Operation Dudula was expected

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said that the Gauteng High Court's ruling interdicting Operation Dudula from preventing illegal foreign nationals from accessing health care at clinics and hospitals "was to be expected".

Motsoaledi was being interviewed by 702's Clement Manyathela when news of the ruling broke on Tuesday.

He said he did meet Operation Dudula about their concerns, "some of which might be legitimate by the way" and told them that they were using the wrong method to achieve their goals.

They told him that they understand that doctors can't turn people away because they've taken an oath but they wanted him to instruct the people who issue the hospital files not to give any to people who don't have South African IDs or official documents.

"I told them that I happened to be in Home Affairs (as the former minister) and I know that 11 percent of South Africa's population do not have any documents, we're talking here of South Africans, not illegal immigrants... so it means they too will be turned away from health services. So, I told them that method cannot work."

Manyathela asked him if he is having conversation with the governments where most foreign nationals are from or even their embassies.

"Is there a conversation about how we can sit and find a solution because the reality is their civilians are here, whether they are here illegally that's a conversation we can have but they're using resources. Is there no way we can work together on this? Because that's costing money."

Motsoaledi replied, saying he doesn't think they were interested in helping us.

"Because what is biting them? It is South Africa which is suffering, not them. In fact many of them are relieved."

For Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's full discussion with 702's Clement Manyathela which touches on the NHI, the Tembisa hospital looting and the forthcoming G20 click on the audio player below.