Zimbabwean Activist Duke Maplanka Atterbell Slams South Africa’s Xenophobia And Medical Exclusion Of Migrants

Zimbabwean activist Duke Maplanka Atterbell has accused the South African government of systemic discrimination and wilful neglect toward foreign nationals, particularly Zimbabweans, amid escalating xenophobic violence and exclusion from public healthcare services.

In a strongly worded letter dated 27 July 2025, addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Ministers of Health and Home Affairs, and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Atterbell warns of impending formal complaints to African and international human rights bodies if urgent action is not taken.

“I write this letter as both a concerned African citizen and a representative voice of thousands of foreign nationals, especially Zimbabweans, living in South Africa,” Atterbell stated.

He described harrowing scenes of exclusion and violence: “Foreign nationals are being chased out of hospitals, clinics, and even maternity wards. Others are beaten in the streets, publicly humiliated, or threatened by vigilantes emboldened by government silence.”

Atterbell also condemned South Africa’s perceived double standard in global human rights advocacy, accusing the government of hypocrisy:

“How can South Africa claim the mantle of human rights defender abroad, while at home it presides over de facto ethnic cleansing through economic and medical exclusion? This hypocrisy is staggering.”

Healthcare Access Under Threat as Anti-Migrant Campaign Gains Momentum

Atterbell’s letter comes as anti-immigrant sentiment grows stronger in South Africa, particularly around access to jobs and healthcare. A key driver of this tension is March and March, an NGO launched by radio personality Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma in 2024. The group actively campaigns to prevent undocumented migrants from accessing public services.

Initially operating in KwaZulu-Natal, March and March has expanded nationwide. Its volunteers now stand guard at hospitals like Addington and RK Khan, turning away patients who cannot produce South African ID documents.

“We operate where the government has failed,” the group claims.

Although critics have labelled the initiative a vigilante operation targeting the vulnerable, March and March continues to enjoy support from sections of the South African public who believe public institutions are being overwhelmed by foreigners.

In response to Atterbell’s criticism, Ngobese-Zuma took to Facebook with a scathing rebuke:

“He is Zimbabwean and writes to OUR President and not HIS… Kshuthi ngampela they believe they are South African‼️ Kshuthi we owe them‼️ Kshuthi we must intensify our fight because mentally these ppl don’t think that we are serious.”

‘I Won’t Be Quiet’: Atterbell Responds with Defiance and Resolve

Refusing to be intimidated, Atterbell hit back with a powerful response. Addressing Ngobese-Zuma directly, he challenged her rhetoric and questioned her brand of nationalism.

“When Dudula royalty thinks they can intimidate you… Jacinta Zinhle MaNgobese Zuma, let’s get one thing straight. I am not here to bow before self-appointed foot soldiers of hate.”

“I am a fearless advocate for human rights, not because it’s easy, but because people like you have made silence a weapon.”

Atterbell accused Ngobese-Zuma of weaponising fear and xenophobia: “You walk around with your chest puffed out like you’re some gatekeeper of South Africa’s soul. But what you really are is a loud emblem of fear, disguised as pride. You lead mobs, I lead with conscience.”

He continued: “You asked, ‘Who are you?’ Let me answer clearly: I am the one your hate cannot reach and your intimidation cannot shake. I am the storm you didn’t see coming… While you scream for borders, I fight for bridges.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Police Kills Girlfriend, Her Brother, Then Himself In Soweto Birthday Drama

Despite the tense rhetoric, Atterbell clarified that his campaign is not against South Africa, but rather in defence of human dignity.

“If your government fails to act, history, and international law, will remember it not for its silence, but for its complicity,” he warned.

Atterbell’s statement signals an intent to escalate the issue globally, through legal avenues and public advocacy. His message is clear: the era of silent suffering is over.

---

For More SA News, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook,  X and Instagram