news – health.migration.research

Is it worth it? Addressing the calls for more data on the use of South Africa’s public healthcare system by SADC nationals

April 11, 2023 admin

Calls for more data by government officials and political parties play a central role in current discussions and debates surrounding the utilisation of South Africa’s public healthcare system by citizens of other Southern African Development Community (SADC) states. However, many of those demanding additional data often overlook or misrepresent what already exists. This happens by inflating the number of SADC nationals living in South Africa; speculating about non-citizens who utilise the public healthcare system; and, suggesting that masses of people travel here for the sole purpose of accessing our healthcare system.

[panel discussion] The global refugee regime and international protection in Africa: out of step and out of time?

September 21, 2021 admin

Watch or listen or read the transcript from our panel discussion exploring international protection in Africa. The panel formed part of the PROTECT Mid-term conference, held online in August 2021. Kudakwashe Vanyoro, ACMS, University of the Witwatersrand: ‘Now That Mugabe is Gone You Are Free’ - Temporalised Governance of Vulnerability, Migration and Im/mobilities at the… Continue reading [panel discussion] The global refugee regime and international protection in Africa: out of step and out of time?

[Radio interview] The call for vaccines for undocumented migrants

July 20, 2021July 20, 2021 admin

I spoke to Lester Kiewit on Cape Talk Radio about the need to ensure undocumented migrants are included in South Africa's Covid-19 vaccination roll-out.

One year on: reflecting on migration and Covid-19 in South Africa

March 18, 2021July 22, 2021 admin

Presentation made to STATSA Webinar, 18th March 2021.

Concern over how homeless and undocumented people will access Covid-19 vaccine – Shakirah Thebus, Cape Argus, 10th February 2021

February 10, 2021February 10, 2021 admin

Wits University Associate Professor and director of the African Centre for Migration and Society, Jo Vearey, said non-citizens often experienced discrimination when trying to access public healthcare facilities. Vearey said another concern for this group would be documentation. “This is linked to issues around documentation and around misunderstandings between healthcare providers, particularly at the very front lines, receptionists and clerks for example. “This means an individual’s documentation can be misunderstood, demands are incorrectly made for documents, and this can also lead to further fears for someone who might have an irregular status and whether or not this could lead them into getting into trouble.” Different forms of documentation should be used for identification and not just an identity document, said Vearey. “We need to also ensure that we are not requesting frontline healthcare workers to work as immigration officials. This is something that we increasingly see globally, and it is something that there has been tension around in the South African context for a while.”