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2020 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

13. Complicity and Condonation: The Tabloid Press and Reporting of Migrant Access to Public Health in South Africa

Authors : Thabiso Muswede, Shepherd Mpofu

Published in: Mediating Xenophobia in Africa

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

A study on the South African tabloid press’ reporting on migrant access to the country’s public health services is covered in this chapter. We highlight the conspicuously scanty editorial representation of the constitutional breach and negligent behaviour of some public health workers by denying immigrants access to healthcare. Our analyses show that the tabloid press focused more on the sufferings, legalities and indigence of the victims than on the public health system that responded poorly to the plight of migrants. This approach overlooked the existing statutory migration policies and international human rights obligations. An overview is provided of the press’ prejudiced coverage of migrant access to public health from a ‘limited resources’ narrative rather than a ‘human rights’ perspective.

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Metadata
Title
Complicity and Condonation: The Tabloid Press and Reporting of Migrant Access to Public Health in South Africa
Authors
Thabiso Muswede
Shepherd Mpofu
Copyright Year
2020
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61236-8_13