Dear Dr. Motsoaledi,

I hope this message finds you well.

In recent weeks, there has been a surge of reports regarding the forceful removal of foreign nationals from public hospitals and clinics by certain rogue groups. While I am strongly opposed to such actions, I believe that a balanced and practical solution can be achieved—specifically, through the introduction of a short-term medical insurance scheme for all foreign nationals, including tourists.

Our public healthcare system is already under immense pressure due to limited resources and inadequate funding. The additional strain of catering to non-taxpaying foreign nationals only worsens the situation. A fair and sustainable approach would be to require all foreign visitors to contribute towards their access to healthcare while in South Africa.

Proposal:

I suggest the implementation of a mandatory, short-term medical insurance policy for all foreigners entering South Africa. This would entail:

A reasonable upfront fee (e.g., R750 per adult and R300 per child), valid for one year.

Payment made directly into the Department of Health’s account via an online portal to streamline the process.

Issuance of a digital or printed certificate confirming the insurance, which can be presented at all ports of entry or border posts.

A similar system is already in place in parts of Africa, such as Zanzibar, and could be adapted to suit our context.

Benefits of the Proposal:

Protection and dignity for foreign nationals – With proof of valid insurance, foreigners would no longer be subjected to victimisation or denial of healthcare services.

Revenue generation for the Department of Health – According to recent data, nearly 8 million tourists and 2 million other foreign visitors entered South Africa in 2024. At R750 per adult, the department could potentially generate billions of rands in additional revenue.

I sincerely hope this proposal will be given due consideration. I am confident that such a scheme could ease the financial burden on the healthcare system while also addressing the human rights concerns currently facing foreign nationals.

Thank you for your time and commitment to improving our healthcare system.

Warm regards,
MJ Bux