South Africa Tells Foreign Nationals To Be “Well-Mannered Guests” After ARVs Discovered At DNC Bus Crash Site

The South African government has urged foreign nationals living in the country to act as ” respectful and well-mannered guests” after anti-retroviral (ARV) medication was discovered at the scene of a deadly bus crash in Limpopo on Sunday.

The bus, which was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe, was carrying both Zimbabwean and Malawian passengers when it veered off the N1 highway, killing 43 people.

Among the wreckage, authorities found boxes containing ARV medication and other prescription drugs.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the discovery was deeply concerning. Said Ntshavheni:

“Cabinet calls on foreign nationals to be well-mannered guests in South Africa and reminds everyone that it took a lot of effort to stop the recent unsavoury treatment meted out against foreign nationals at local clinics.

“Unfortunately, the proof that confirms brazen theft of medicines from government clinics do not assist efforts to restore conditions for foreign nationals to access public health care.”

Operation Dudula has repeatedly claimed that foreign nationals, particularly those without proper documentation, are abusing South Africa’s public healthcare system by stealing medication and selling it.

The group’s president, Zandile Dabula, and other members have publicly alleged that undocumented foreign nationals visit various public healthcare facilities to collect medications, often free of charge, which they then smuggle and sell in their home countries.

Operation Dudula frames this alleged theft as part of a broader problem, arguing that foreign nationals are “abusing taxpayers’ money” and placing undue strain on an already overstretched public health system, which they believe should prioritise South African citizens.

The group has organised protests and blockades at public clinics and hospitals, demanding identity documents from patients and visitors to prevent foreign nationals from accessing care.

Members have also claimed that some of the medications are being used to manufacture illicit street drugs, such as nyaope.

A full-scale investigation has now been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the apparent smuggling of essential medication.