“I’m Not OK”: Illegal Zimbabwean Woman Asks for Mzansi’s Help To Get Medical Help for Her Son

• A Zimbabwean woman living illegally in South Africa made an emotional plea for help after being denied entry to a public hospital
• The mother explained how security guards at the hospital gate demanded identification documents
• South Africans had mixed reactions to her request, with many suggesting private healthcare options
• Briefly News spoke to health expert Jayshri Rangasamy regarding health care and why it's supposed to be given to everyone, even if the person is an undocumented migrant

A Zimbabwean woman living illegally in South Africa has sparked heated debate after openly asking for help to access free medical treatment for her son.

Content creator @southafricadaily247 shared the emotional video on 19th July with the caption:

"WATCH: An illegal Zimbabwean foreigner who has been using a South African hospital to get free medical treatment for her son is boldly asking for help from the South African government while confirming that she is in the country illegally."

Read also

Gayton McKenzie makes bold claims amid 'Open Chats Podcast' controversy, SA stunned

In the video, the distressed mother, who appears to be in her late twenties or early thirties, explained her frustration after being turned away from a hospital. She revealed that when she arrived for her son's appointment, two security guards at the gate asked for identification documents. Being an undocumented immigrant, she was refused entry and had to return home without receiving medical care for her child.

The woman made an emotional appeal, stating:

"My son needs medication. As I'm talking to you right now, I'm thinking what's gonna happen next because, as you know, as foreigners, I don't know who's going to stand for us so that we can get help from the hospitals. Our community needs medication; without medication, it will be difficult for us."

Video sparks controversy online

The video quickly went viral, attracting over 802 reactions, 1,400 comments, and 66,000 views. Many South Africans responded with frustration, as the country currently faces tensions over illegal immigration and access to public services.

Read also

"Let Cupcake see this": South African in Nigeria finds no free clinic after falling sick, SA stunned

@Andile Magwala suggested sarcastically:

"Call your big brother, Julius Malema, he will pay for a private hospital."

@Ollz Soldat pointed out:

"Private hospitals are open, mama."

@Phumie Lopez referenced civil action groups:

"Dudula told you that only a private hospital will help you."

@Minky Mpyana suggested alternatives:

"Go to a private doctor, even we South Africans do consult there. The other option is to go back to Zim."

Constitutional healthcare rights explained

According to the SA Government, the Constitution guarantees healthcare access to everyone within South Africa's borders, regardless of documentation status. Section 27(1)(a) states that:

Everyone has the right to access healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare."

The Constitution further provides that:

"No one may be refused emergency medical treatment" under section 27(3), and "Every child has the right to basic healthcare services" under section 28(1)(c).

The National Health Act supports these constitutional rights, stating that all pregnant women and children under six are entitled to free health services, irrespective of nationality and migration status. The Act aims to provide equitable healthcare services to the population with available resources.

Read also

Dr Nobuhle Makhaya went from earning R50K a month to being unemployed, highlighting doctors’ challenges

Briefly News spoke to health expert Jayshri Rangasamy regarding health care and why it's supposed to be given to everyone, even if the person is an undocumented migrant. She stated:

"Health care should be provided to everyone regardless of immigration status because access to health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege based on nationality or legal status. Denying care can lead to preventable suffering, public health risks, and greater long-term costs due to untreated conditions."

"Ethically, it reflects compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity—core values in both medical practice and human rights frameworks. Ensuring universal access to health care is not only a moral obligation but also a practical step toward a healthier, more equitable society."

Watch the Facebook reel below:

Other stories about foreigners

• Briefly News recently reported on Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko's strong statement about removing foreign nationals from healthcare facilities, but her surprising stance left many South Africans questioning government policy.
• A police officer's encounter with a Chinese couple holding South African identity documents took an unexpected turn when they couldn't answer basic questions, revealing shocking details about document fraud.
• Migration experts weighed in on Operation Dudula's healthcare campaign, but their findings about the real impact of undocumented immigrants on the system surprised everyone involved.

Source: Briefly News