Supporters of LACO and other anti-undocumented migrant groups protest, accusing undocumented foreign nationals of occupying jobs that they say should be reserved for South Africans, particularly in sectors that do not require scarce skills.
As South Africa grapples with the humanitarian fallout of recent anti-migrant violence and the mass processing of foreign nationals through the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre, questions have resurfaced about whether migrants are legally entitled to healthcare.
While some argue that public healthcare should be reserved for South African citizens, the country's Constitution, legislation and court rulings paint a bigger picture.
Section 27 of the Constitution states that "everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services", not only citizens.
It also guarantees that no one may be refused emergency medical treatment, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
