A coalition of civil society organisations; the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa, and Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX), represented by SECTION27 has reached a settlement with the Gauteng Department of Health and other respondents. The agreement follows a contempt application heard on 16–17 March 2026 and was made an order of the South Gauteng High Court by Justice Myburgh on 17 March 2026.
The settlement reinforces a December 2025 order by Justice Wilson, requiring that patients be allowed safe and unhindered access to the two clinics. Key terms include:
· State respondents must take reasonable steps to ensure physical access in line with the original court order. A report detailing implementation must be filed by 18 May 2026.
· Designated point persons from the City of Johannesburg, health authorities, and SAPS must be identified within 10 days to facilitate access.
· The applicants may return to court for further relief if needed.
The civil society groups condemned any attempts to block access to healthcare facilities, noting that such actions are unlawful and endanger public health. The settlement specifically addresses vigilante groups that unlawfully demand South African identity documents before allowing entry. The organisations reaffirmed the constitutional right to access healthcare services for all.
Read here for more https://section27.org.za/2026/03/civil-society-and-the-department-of-health-reach-a-settlement-on-unhindered-access-to-yeoville-and-rosettenville-clinics/
