Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has called for illegal foreigners to be denied medical treatment in South African hospitals, following United States (US) President Donald Trump’s decision to cut USAID-funded programs in the country.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate, McKenzie argued that such measures are necessary to address South Africa’s healthcare challenges, particularly the unemployment crisis for South African medical professionals and the escalating HIV/AIDS epidemic.
McKenzie referenced the removal of the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), which he said has led to a loss of 17% of funding.
He urged the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa to take immediate action in light of these cuts.
“Can we immediately stop giving medical help to illegal foreigners?” McKenzie asked. “They should be banned from our hospitals. They must go to their country, one that has a good relationship with America,” he added.
The Minister stressed the importance of cooperation between South Africa and the United States, emphasising that both countries need each other to succeed.
“America needs South Africa. South Africa needs America. If we don’t work together, both of us will lose, but South Africa will lose more,” McKenzie said.
He highlighted the stark contrast in the medical employment landscape, pointing out that while the US does not face a shortage of doctors, many medical students in South Africa struggle to find jobs.
McKenzie warned of the dire consequences of not collaborating effectively, saying: “Without Pepfar, it will be worse. People are going to die. HIV/Aids is going to kill our people.”
He acknowledged that while some South Africans may have negative views toward the US, the true concern is the potential loss of 230,000 jobs and the worsening healthcare crisis in South Africa.
McKenzie also criticised individuals who have travelled to the US and publicly criticised South Africa’s relationship with the country.
“The reason why you’re not posting the pictures of your American stay is because you met the janitors. You met the people there at this gate. Show us who you met,” McKenzie said.
He urged South Africans to stop complaining and focus on finding solutions to the country’s problems.
“Come here with a plan, don’t just argue. You have free medical aid, and you come here and argue. I’m speaking for the people without medical aid. Let’s be calm and fix our relationship. At this moment, we can’t even give our doctors jobs.”
In his address, McKenzie reiterated his stance on healthcare, calling for stronger measures to prioritise South African citizens.
“Illegal foreigners must be banned from all our hospitals starting from today,” he said.
McKenzie also advocated for a more constructive diplomatic approach, urging South African leadership to engage with the US for mutual benefit.
“Not everyone hates Americans and not everyone here is saying the US should go to hell. Some of us are saying stop listening to racists giving you wrong information, but let’s get together and talk. Let President Ramaphosa sit down with President Trump and work out a deal,” McKenzie said.
Politics
