Nozie Khoza Allies Block Clinic Access for African Immigrants in Johannesburg as 7:30 ID Checks Spread
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 21
Nozie Khoza Allies Block Clinic Access for African Immigrants in Johannesburg as 7:30 ID Checks Spread
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 21
Summary
At 7:30 a.m. in October, Nozie Khoza and fellow activists stationed themselves at a Johannesburg public clinic gate, demanded IDs and turned away people they judged to be foreign.
The group had no legal authority to control entry, yet challenged even valid South African documents, rejecting one woman over a Nigerian surname and doubting another with Mozambican parents.
Khoza, 39, is portrayed as part of an organized anti-immigrant network that targets mostly black African migrants seeking work in South Africa, the continent’s largest economy.
Polls show hostility toward immigrants is rising as many South Africans, without evidence, blame them for crime, job losses and pressure on public services amid high unemployment and inequality.
That anger has already spilled into nationwide protests and violence, with immigrants attacked, killed and driven from homes and businesses as some residents say they no longer trust the government.
As South Africa deports thousands, is it solving its migration crisis or just fueling more xenophobic rage?
A court order now protects migrants at clinics, but can it stop citizens from taking the law into their own hands?
Denied Access: The Human and Legal Toll of Anti-Migrant Blockades at South African Clinics
Overview
Anti-migrant blockades at South African clinics have continued into mid-2026, creating serious barriers to healthcare access for many people. Despite warnings and rulings from the Gauteng High Court, vigilante groups still block clinic entrances, showing that enforcement and protection remain weak. The courts have reminded the government of its constitutional duty to dismantle every barrier to healthcare and ensure services are accessible to all. However, the ongoing blockades highlight a gap between legal obligations and real-world action, leaving vulnerable populations at risk and undermining the right to health in South Africa.