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Over 178 000 Zimbabweans who are holders of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) have exactly a month to find alternative ways to regularise their stay in South Africa.
The ZEP is set to expire on 30 June 2023 when the grace period announced by the South African government to allow the holders to comply with the country’s immigration laws lapses.
More than 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals have been living, working and attending school in South Africa using the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs discontinued the permit after it was first issued over a decade ago but three civil rights groups have challenged this move in the Pretoria High Court.
If the Pretoria High Court rules in favour of the Department of Home Affairs, thousands of Zimbabweans will be deported from South Africa.
<a href="https://ewn.co.za/2023/06/01/zep-zimbabweans-in-sa-have-a-month-to-find-alternative-ways-to-regularise-stay">EWN</a> reported that until recently, the Department of Home Affairs has been requiring Zimbabweans to apply for alternative permits such as the spousal or work permit but the process has been complicated.
Many who have opted for the work permit have had to travel back to Zimbabwe to start their application.
Zimbabweans have also been required to apply with the Department of Labour for exemptions if their skills are not considered scarce.
The Pretoria High Court reserved its ruling in the battle between Home Affairs and civil groups but time is running out for thousands of Zimbabweans who may soon find themselves as illegal migrants in South Africa.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Left With One Month To Regularise Stay In SA

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Association (ZEPHA) legal counsel, Advocate Simba Chitando has said they will appeal if the Pretoria High Court rules in favour of the South African Government in their court application on the discontinuation of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP).
Chitando is seeking the court to grant ZEP holders permanent residence in South Africa. 
ZEP expires on 30 June 2023 but there are no indications as to when the Pretoria High Court will deliver its ruling on the application by ZEPHA and other human rights organisations such as the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF).
HSF has argued that the decision by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs to terminate the ZEP scheme without proper public consultation is unlawful and wants the court to set aside the directive.
Asked on <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/deadline-for-zimbabwean-exemption-permits-draws-near/">SABC News</a> what the plan was if the court rules in favour of the South African Government, Chitando said:
<blockquote>
The litigation has been brought not just by the Helen Suzman Foundation but also by several other parties.
If successful in that litigation… we will wait for the relief and the relief will give us direction about what will happen to the ZEP holders.
Some of the parties that have instituted the litigation sought permanent residence… which is what the institution I am representing is seeking while the Suzman Foundation wants the Government to reconsider their decision.
Either way, we are bound by the court decision and we do not know when it will take place.
If we are successful… the Government would have to take a decision on whether they are going to appeal the judgement and obviously if we are unsuccessful I can guarantee you that we would appeal the judgement that is not in favour of ZEP holders.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) system was introduced more than a decade ago to regularise the status of Zimbabweans who were illegally in SA due to political and economic hardships at home.
The Department of Home Affairs last year announced that the ZEP system would be terminated in June 2023, by which time ZEP holders would have to apply for “regular” SA visas.
Several Lesotho nationals living and working under the so-called Lesotho Exemption Permit have likewise been told that their services are no longer required.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lawyer Representing ZEP Holders Vows To Appeal If Court Rules In SA Government's Favour

The Government is working with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to conduct a nationwide needs assessment and sensitisation exercise in preparation for the return of thousands of Zimbabweans from South Africa whose Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) are set to expire on 30 June this year.
The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/sa-returnees-government-conducts-needs-assessment-exercise/">Chronicle</a> reported that five teams have been deployed to carry out the exercise which started on Sunday and will end this coming Sunday.
The teams will be visiting various Government departments, institutions and communities for data collection.
The teams visited Gwanda District for the data collection on Wednesday and on Friday, the team will move to Bulawayo while on Saturday it will be in Nkayi.
The teams will also visit Mutoko, Mutare, Chipinge, Buhera, Zaka, Mwenezi, Masvingo, Gutu, Kwekwe, Gokwe, Kadoma, Chegutu, Zvishavane, Chitungwiza, Epworth, Harare and Goromonzi.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary James Manzou explained the main objective of the needs assessment. He said:
<blockquote>
As you would know, South Africa will not renew the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits expiring on 30 June 2023.
In response, the Government has put in place a repatriation and reintegration plan to cater for the anticipated arrival of hundreds of Zimbabwean citizens by 30 June.
As part of preparations for the arrival of those Zimbabweans, the Technical Committee on the return of Zimbabweans from South Africa will carry out a joint needs assessment and sensitisation exercise together with International Organisation for Migration across the country.
The teams that will go around the country are drawn from various Government departments so as to widen the scope of this exercise.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit system was introduced more than a decade ago to regularise the status of Zimbabweans who were illegally in SA due to political and economic hardships at home.
The Department of Home Affairs last year announced that the ZEP system would be terminated in June 2023, by which time ZEP holders would have to apply for “regular” SA visas.
Several Lesotho nationals living and working under the so-called Lesotho Exemption Permit have likewise been told that their services are no longer required.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEP: Govt Conducts Needs Assessment For South African Returnees

The expiry of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) on 30 June 2023 will result in tens of thousands of Zimbabweans being forced to return home from South Africa.
This will force thousands of Zimbabwean schoolchildren to leave South Africa and enroll at local schools.
Last month, a full bench in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria reserved its judgement in the case brought by the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders (ZEPHA) and other civil society organisations against the South African Government.
ZEPHA is seeking permanent residence in South Africa for ZEP holders.
But with less than two months before the expiry of ZEP, the 178 000 beneficiaries and their children face an uncertain future.
In Zimbabwe, the Second Term commenced this Monday, 08 May, and the children of ZEP holders, who are likely set to return home mid-term, may find it difficult to adapt to the local education system.
No one knows whether the Gauteng High Court will nullify the discontinuation of ZEP by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs or validate the decision which heightens the sense of uncertainty for ZEP holders.
If you are a ZEP holder or know someone who is a ZEP holder, kindly share how you/ they are preparing for your / their kids’ education in light of the imminent expiry of the special permit n the comments section below.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

School Going Children Of ZEP Holders Face Uncertain Future

Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF), director Nicole Fritz, and her family received threats on Twitter the day before the foundation’s court action to stop the discontinuation of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
On 10 April, Twitter user one Freeman Bhengu (@zibuseman) warned they would deal with Fritz and her daughter. Wrote Bhengu:
<blockquote>
We are watching her and we know where she stays, her daughter, and their closed offices in Parktown, we will deal with her tomorrow @Nicole Fritz.
</blockquote>
The HSF, along with the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation and the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders, are challenging in court the decision by the Department of Home Affairs to scrap the ZEP.
Around 178 000 ZEP holders will be affected by the decision.
The hearing started in the Pretoria High Court on 11 April.
<a href="https://www.groundup.org.za/article/twitter-threats-to-litigants-in-zimbabwean-exemption-permit-court-case/">GroundUp</a> reported Fritz as saying the threats are “enormously disturbing” and that those working in social justice or human rights should not experience such harassment.
She said other litigants were also receiving threats.
Meanwhile, the Global South Against Xenophobia (GSAX) has issued a statement calling on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to act.
GSAX urged SAPS to protect Fritz during the duration of the court hearings or until the perpetrators are arrested and to investigate all the threats.
Fritz said this isn’t the first time she has been threatened. She said the same person has emailed her in the past telling her that she is being watched.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Litigants In Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Court Case Receive Twitter Threats

The High Court in Pretoria is on Friday, 14 April 2023 expected to hear the third and final argument in the challenge against Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to discontinue the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme.
Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Association (ZEPHA) legal counsel, Advocate Simba Chitando, told <a href="https://www.groundup.org.za/article/zimbabwean-exemption-permit-intro-minister-acted-outside-his-powers-court-told/">GroundUp</a> they will ask the court to grant ZEP holders permanent residence in South Africa. He said:
<blockquote>
ZEPHA believes that ZEP holders have lived in South Africa long enough to become residents and have taken the view that continuous extensions are unfairly expensive and unlawful.
We have waited a long time for this hearing, and hope for a favourable decision from the Court.
</blockquote>
The termination of the ZEP scheme would mean that about 178 000 permit holders and their dependents will have to return to Zimbabwe or seek alternative visas or permits in South Africa.
Counsel representing the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation (ZIF) in the second application against South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi warned that forceful deportation of Zimbabweans would lead to human tragedy. Said Ngcukaitobi:
<blockquote>
It’s an impractical thing. How is South Africa going to expel so many people on the first of July? How is this going to happen practically?
It’s completely averse for the minister to refuse to extend the benefits until the judges have decided what to do with this…
It’s a truly perverse position to adopt that you want a decision to be enforced even though you know the human tragedy that will underpin any massive migration of people.
This is not voluntary migration, this is going to be forced migration because it has to be executed by law.
</blockquote>
ZIF is asking the court for an interim interdict to prevent the ZEP system from ending on 30 June 2023, so that ZEP holders will not be at risk of being declared illegal foreigners.
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) system was introduced more than a decade ago to regularise the status of Zimbabweans who were illegally in SA due to political and economic hardships at home.
The Department of Home Affairs last year announced that the ZEP system would be terminated in June 2023, by which time ZEP holders would have to apply for “regular” SA visas.
Several Lesotho nationals living and working under the so-called Lesotho Exemption Permit have likewise been told that their services are no longer required.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZEP Holders Now Deserve South African Permanent Residence Status"

A South African lawyer representing holders of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) has argued that his clients will suffer irreparable harm should the Department of Home Affairs discontinue the scheme.
Advocate Thembeka Ngcukaitobi is representing 1 000 Zimbabwean nationals under the Zimbabwean Immigration Federation (ZIF) before a full bench in the Pretoria High Court.
ZIF is challenging the Department of Home Affairs’ decision to discontinue the ZEP programme.
Ngcukaitobi says the termination of the ZEP scheme will render the Zimbabwean nationals as illegal immigrants subject to arrest and forced deportation after the 30th of June this year. Said Ngcukaitobi:
<blockquote>
The simple question is, on the first of July 2023, what will happen to the 178 000 recipients of the ZEP programme?
What will happen to them?
It is common cause on the facts that overnight, they will be rendered illegal immigrants in South Africa.
That would mean either they deport themselves voluntarily but the facts show that they are unable to return to Zimbabwe for the reasons that will be articulated.
What it would then mean is that they would be liable to forced deportation.
Alternatively, they would be liable to arrest because they would have violated the provisions of the Act.
</blockquote>
Around 2008, thousands of Zimbabweans crossed the border into South Africa seeking better economic opportunities after the Zimbabwean economy had virtually collapsed.
South Africa then introduced the Dispensation of Zimbabwean Permit (DZP) to legalise Zimbabweans living and working in the country in 2009.
In 2014, the DZP was renamed the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP). The name changed again three years later to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit or ZEP.
In September 2022, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs extended the permit which was due to expire on December 31, for a further six months to June 30, 2023.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit Holders Face Irreparable Harm, Says SA Lawyer

Lawyers representing South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Wednesday said no rights will be taken away when the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) system comes to an end in June, reported <a href="https://www.groundup.org.za/article/zep-no-rights-were-taken-away-home-affairs-lawyers-tell-court/">GroundUp</a>.
The Pretoria High Court is hearing an application by the Helen Suzman Foundation and the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa to have the minister set aside the decision.
They are seeking the setting aside of the minister’s decision to terminate the ZEP system on 30 June 2023.
Advocate Ismail Jamie, counsel for the Minister of Home Affairs, told a full bench of the Pretoria High Court that there was no decision to terminate the ZEP system.
Rather, ZEP holders were given until June 2023 to regularise their stay in South Africa by applying for other visas or asking to be exempt from the expiration of the ZEP. 
Jamie said rights that were temporarily conferred in the first place had been allowed to lapse through the passage of time. He said:
<blockquote>
Just as the government was free to adopt (a visa exemption) policy in respect of Zimbabweans as it relates to the conditions prevailing in that country in 2008 and 2009, it is free to change that policy in 2023.
</blockquote>
Jamie said that consultation with ZEP holders will take place when ZEP holders apply for alternative visas or waivers.
Advocate Steven Budlender, for the Helen Suzman Foundation, argued that there was no consultation with affected parties either before or after the decision to terminate the ZEP system.
Jamie argued that it would be impractical to expect the government to have consulted 178 000 ZEP holders.
Budlender said Motsoaledi’s claim that it was impractical to get the opinions of 178 000 people as to how it would impact them was irrational, as this was standard procedure whenever legislation or policy is proposed by the government.
Around 2008, thousands of Zimbabweans crossed the border into South Africa seeking better economic opportunities after the Zimbabwean economy had virtually collapsed.
South Africa then introduced the Dispensation of Zimbabwean Permit (DZP) to legalise Zimbabweans living and working in the country in 2009.
In 2014, the DZP was renamed the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP). The name changed again three years later to Zimbabwe Exemption Permit or ZEP.
In September 2022, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs extended the permit which was due to expire on December 31, for a further six months to June 30, 2023.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SA Home Affairs Minister's Decision On ZEP Does Not Take Away Their Rights - Lawyers

The government has said a mapping exercise in South Africa has revealed that Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders (ZEPs) have low interest in returning to the country, <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/zimbabwe-to-give-counselling-to-zep-holders-returning-home-from-sa-20230405">reported News24</a>.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare, Simon Masanga, said the government will offer counselling for returnees after the expiry of their permits in South Africa.
In a speech presented at a government counselling and psychological workshop in Bulawayo, the second-largest city in the country, Masanga said:
<blockquote>
Sharpening our counselling skills is a way in which these committees (receiving the returnees) can be capacitated.
This training will empower the frontline officers to be equipped with skills to handle the returnees upon and post-arrival.
</blockquote>
This comes as Zimbabwe was ranked as the fourth unhappiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report for 2023.
The ZEP permits were meant to expire in December last year but a six-month extension was granted to 30 June 2023.
An estimated 180 000 Zimbabweans are in South Africa on ZEPs and by December last year, fewer than 10% had applied for the available mainstream visas.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZEP Holders Unwilling To Return To Zimbabwe"

Fikile Mbalula, the secretary-general of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), said that Zimbabwe will remain South Africa’s problem for a long time.
Mbalula made the remarks while speaking at an ANC Youth League fundraiser in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning, reported <a href="https://ewn.co.za/2023/03/08/issues-in-zim-will-be-sa-s-problem-for-the-longest-time-says-mbalula">Eye Witness News</a>.
He said South Africa will have to deal with Zimbabweans coming into the country in search of better living and working conditions.
Mbalula also called for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West, saying the United States of America and Britain wanted regime change. He said:
<blockquote>
We’ve got a problem here in Zimbabwe and it’s brewing. And you think it’s going to be the problem of the Americans; it’s going to be our problem for the longest of time.
Americans must give peace a chance… We need a roundtable; we need peaceful negotiations.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is expecting to receive tens of thousands of its citizens from South Africa in the coming months when their special permits (Zimbabwe Exemption Permit) expire on 30 June 2023.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe To Remain South Africa's Problem For A Long Time, Says ANC Secretary-general

Members of Operation Dudula, a South African anti-foreigner, anti-illegal immigration group, on Monday demonstrated outside the Pretoria High Court, opposing the Zimbabwe exemption permit (ZEP) extension.
They sang and marched outside the high court leading to the closure of a section of Madiba Street.
<a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-02-06-operation-dudula-takes-to-the-streets-over-zimbabwe-permit-extension/">TimesLive</a> quoted national deputy chairperson of Operation Dudula Dan Radebe as saying:
<blockquote>
We are here to demonstrate our dissatisfaction with the extensions of ZEPs because the moment you extend it for another six months, it means you are saying to South Africans, they have become accustomed to poverty, so they can hold on for another six months, while these foreigners take South African jobs and things like that.
We are here to demonstrate to the court that we are not happy with the extension of the ZEP, and this is not limited to the ZEP.
Today is also about us applying to be part of the proceedings.
</blockquote>
Operation Dudula wants to join a court application by the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) that seeks a review of the lawfulness of the decision by SA Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to terminate the ZEP.
HSF wants the high court in Pretoria to declare the decision by Motsoaledi to terminate the ZEP and grant a limited extension of 12 months unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid.
Motsoaledi is opposing the application by HSF challenging the termination of the ZEP.
HSF is still pursuing its legal challenge, despite Motsoaledi extending the permit by another six months from the initial 12-months extension that expired on 31 December 2022 to 30 June 2023.
Operation Dudula has applied to the court to join as a respondent in the application.

Operation Dudula Demonstrate At Pretoria High Court Over Zimbabwe Permit Extension

The government has started re-registering and regularising some private schools that it had shut down last year.
This is being done to help absorb thousands of South Africa-based learners likely to join their parents coming back home in the coming months following the expiry of their Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs).
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006997/govt-re-registers-closed-schools-to-absorb-returnees-children">NewsDay,</a> Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said:
<blockquote>
Processes are underway to put in place measures to adopt the learners into local schools.
We have those schools that we call non-governmental or private schools that are in the process of being registered and regularised, and the government is building more schools.
We are also encouraging private players to play their role and make sure we have enough schools to cater for the deficit, particularly in the highly-populated areas.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has a student population of six million but has a deficit of 3 000 schools.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said that local schools will struggle to accommodate the children of returnees. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
We will have bloated classes. Resources like chairs, books and others will also be in shortage.
We would have hoped that the government would engage its South African counterpart for a gradual return of our people instead of a once-off flooding of returnees.
We know that an additional number of learners will worsen the plight of learners in schools.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
No doubt those learners will be crammed in classes because already the teacher-pupil ratio was abnormally high.
Teachers are very committed but the government should now take this issue seriously to avoid worsening the situation.
</blockquote>

Govt Says It Will Regularise Deregistered Schools To Absorb Children Of ZEP Holders

Zimbabwean ambassador to South Africa David Hamadziripi has denied accusations that the government is working on assisting ZEP holders to woo them to vote for ZANU PF in the upcoming general elections.
Addressing the media in Pretoria, South Africa on Thursday, Hamadziripi said the embassy will assist those who want to return home and will provide transport for them. He said, as quoted by <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/helping-zimbabwean-permit-holders-not-a-political-ploy-ambassador/">SABC News</a>:
<blockquote>
This exercise it has absolutely nothing to do with the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe.
It is not the government of Zimbabwe that took the decision that the ZEP is going to end on the 30th of June.
I think it’s typical cynicism translating everything into a political gamble. No, we are talking about people’s lives here.
</blockquote>
Hamadziripi also said he didn’t know how many undocumented and documented Zimbabweans were living in South Africa. He said:
<blockquote>
We don’t process entry into South Africa. Documented and undocumented Zimbabweans enter South Africa through various ports of entry.
South Africa doesn’t share with us the number of documented and documented compatriots.
</blockquote>

Helping Zimbabwean Permit Holders Not Politically Motivated - Ambassador

The Embassy of Zimbabwe in Pretoria on Thursday launched a mapping exercise in anticipation of the return of tens of thousands of Zimbabwe Permit holders from South Africa.
The mapping exercise, which was launched by Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, will be in two phases.
The first phase will entail online registration, while the second phase will be for in-person registration.
A statement issued by the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Pretoria on 02 February 2023, reads:
<blockquote>
It will be recalled that on 29 November 2021, the government of the Republic of South Africa announced that it was not renewing the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) which were then due to expire on 31 December 2021. 
It gave the ZEP holders a one-year grace period, up to 31 December 2022 to apply for waivers or for other visas. 
Subsequent to that announcement, the Minister for the Department of Home Affairs, announced on 2 September 2022 that the validity of the ZEP had been extended to 30 June 2023.
Since the announcement of the decision by the government of South Africa to not renew the ZEP, the government of Zimbabwe has stated, on numerous occasions, its readiness not only to welcome but also to facilitate those ZEP holders who wish to return to Zimbabwe.
In order to adequately prepare to do so, the Embassy and the Consulates of Zimbabwe will be conducting a mapping exercise to identify and register ZEP holders who wish to return home. 
The mapping exercise will be conducted in the course of February and March 2023, across all the Provinces of South Africa. 
This exercise is composed of two parts, the first being an online registration, while the second part involves physical visits by multisectoral teams to designated areas across South Africa. 
The teams will comprise officials from the Embassy, the Consulates and several government Ministries.
<h2>Phase 1</h2>
The first phase will entail an online registration where those who wish to be assisted are invited to register their details on that platform. 
The online registration will be open from 02 February to 03 March 2023. The details of the registration are as follows:
1. Link for registration
<a href="https://my.forms.app/form/63d6907a67afd02358f7346d">https://my.forms.app/form/63d6907a67afd02358f7346d</a>
2. Contact numbers, WhatsApp only:
Embassy in Pretoria: +27 637126156
Consulate in Johannesburg: +27 828249435
Consulate in Cape Town: +27 699116717
<h2>Phase 2</h2>
On dates to be announced soon, registration centres will be opened across South Africa for in-person registration.
The Embassy takes this opportunity to remind Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa to be law-abiding citizens and respect the laws of the land.
</blockquote>

Embassy of Zimbabwe In SA To Register ZEP Holders

The government has assured Zimbabweans that will be repatriated from South Africa in the coming months that they are free to return home and will be welcomed with open arms.
Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans are set to return home or be deported by South Africa after 30 June 2023 when their Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) visas expire.
In 2021, the South African government announced that it will be renewing critical skills visas and permits only, and not ZEPs.
In an interview with the Sunday News, Zimbabwe’s Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister, Ruth Maboyi-Ncube, said:
<blockquote>
They (Zimbabweans) must not be scared as they are returning home. We are ready to welcome them. We have already started making preparations to ensure their smooth return.
We will ensure that [those of school going age] will get into our schools as long as they can produce proof of schooling in South Africa. We will then blend them with other learners in our schools.
We are yet to meet with the relevant Ministry and discuss the finer details regarding schooling but we see no challenges.
</blockquote>
Maboyi-Ncube said the government will ensure that returnees will get identity documentation on their return. She said:
<blockquote>
Our processes have not changed. When they come, they must go straight to the registry department and get national Identity Documents and passports.
For those who do not have birth certificates, we encourage them to seek birth records from South Africa where they will have been born so that we ensure they get documents here.
</blockquote>
Regional Immigration Officer responsible for the Southern Region Joshua Chibundu said:
<blockquote>
We have documented Zimbabweans who have valid passports, then there are others who have no passports or other supporting documents.
So, what we have been doing for those who voluntarily return or self-repatriate is to establish if they are Zimbabwean or not and we do that via interviews.
If we are satisfied that indeed they are Zimbabwean we allow them back into Zimbabwe. This is what is going to happen for the returnees we are expecting too.
We have no business denying them entry if they do not have any documentation as we will now be rendering them stateless if we refuse them entry back into the country.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that out of about 170 000 ZEP holders, less than 10 000 have applied for alternative visas to regularise their stay in South Africa after the 30th of June 2023 deadline. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/government-speaks-to-sa-returnees-have-no-fear/">Sunday News</a>

Govt "Ready To Welcome" South Africa Returnees

Thousands of Zimbabwean parents whose Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) are set to expire in June 2023 and have failed to acquire other permits to continue residing in South Africa are worried about their children’s transition from schools in South Africa.
GroundUp spoke to several Zimbabwean families who were affected by the discontinuation of the ZEP and they indicated that they have started making arrangements to move to Zimbabwe.
Parents who spoke to the publication said there are major differences between the education systems in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Melody Chaurura, the Zimbabwean Consul-General in South Africa, said that they are still consulting government departments in both countries to address the issue.
The Politeness Foundation, which was formed in Zimbabwe in 2018 to empower people living with disabilities, expects more than 5 000 children to be accommodated in Zimbabwean schools in 2023.
Founder of the Politeness foundation, Polite Mbowa, said they are appealing to the Zimbabwean government to allow learners [relocating from SA] to proceed to the next grade following assessments of the learner’s ability.
Union of Zimbabwean Educators Western Cape said that about 180 of its 250 members have indicated that they are willing to return to Zimbabwe but most of them fear that they won’t find jobs. Union chairperson, Jack Mutsvairo, said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwean government should be specific on how it is going to assist returning residents. At the moment it is just promising to assist. There should be something published.
This should include how learners are going to be integrated into the Zimbabwean education system. At the moment returnees are not sure of the fate of their children.
</blockquote>
Last year the South African government announced that after 12 years it is now scrapping the ZEP.
The ZEP permit was to expire at the end of December 2022, leaving almost all of the nearly 180 000 permit holders undocumented. |<a href="https://groundup.org.za/article/no-clear-plan-for-state-assistance-to-families-voluntarily-returning-to-zimbabwe/"> GroundUp</a>

Zimbabwean Parents Worried About Children's Move From Schools In South Africa

South Africa-based 23-year-old Fine Arts student Musa Nyathi faces an uncertain future as he is among tens of thousands of Zimbabweans who will be forced to leave the country by June next year after the expiry of their special permits.
Nyathi, who has lived in South Africa for 14 years since the age of nine, has been languishing at home for the last ten months.
2021 was meant to be the last year of his studies at the Tshwane University of Technology but failing one of his modules meant he would have to register in 2022 to complete his degree. He told <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/zimbabwean-permit-holders-helen-suzman-foundation/">SABC News</a>:
<blockquote>
I had a problem when I applied for my visa application late last year. I was told that I would have a certain grace period but when I went to apply they told me that the grace period is for refugees and people under that category.
</blockquote>
Nyathi said his attempt to explain to the Department of Home Affairs the circumstances relating to the week’s delay in submitting his visa application was ignored. He said:
<blockquote>
I’m not sure what kind of reasons they were looking for because there were actually unforeseen circumstances.
I was expecting to complete my course last year and by the end of the year move back home but due to the COVID-19 regulations and the like, we ended up having our exams later on the latest in early December.
</blockquote>
Since 2008, Nyathi’s mother has done everything possible to ensure that the family is on the right side of the law with regard to its immigration status.
The Department of Home Affairs said it was still investigating why eight months after Nyathi appealed its decision to reject his visa application, he is still waiting for a response despite a number of follow-up inquiries. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
I honestly just want to complete my course because I only had a single module left that I was unable to complete last year but if I am free to do so I may freely leave the country.
</blockquote>
According to the Helen Suzman Foundation, however, Nyathi’s situation is happening all too often as the expiry of the ZEP in June next year approaches.
The Foundation, and other immigration stakeholders, believe South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs lacks the capacity to deal fairly with Zimbabweans seeking to regularise their stay in the country and therefore must be made to reconsider its decision by the courts.

"SA's Home Affairs Lacks Capacity To Deal With Zimbabwean Permit Holders"

South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, this week said police are allowed to spot-check foreigners to ascertain whether they were legally in the country.
Motsoaledi was briefing the home affairs portfolio committee on the backlog in permit appeals for asylum seekers and refugees. He said:
<blockquote>
Police have the right to stop and ask about documentation. It doesn’t have to be production or physical documentation like during apartheid days, meaning you are not forced to carry documents in your pockets everywhere you go.
</blockquote>
He said documents will be checked against the national population register. Said Motsoaledi:
<blockquote>
It’s something that can be done on the spot and it will be a pity if somebody has to be arrested because we have to do a manual check.
</blockquote>
The Minister also revealed that four refugee centres, in Durban, Pretoria, Gqeberha and Musina, had been reopened after a two-year closure due to COVID-19.
The Cape Town refugee office is set to be reopened by the end of September.
On the possible reason why only 4 000 out of 178 000 Zimbabwean exemption permits (ZEP) holders had applied for visas to legalise their stay in SA, Motsoaledi said:
<blockquote>
I wouldn’t say they’re showing us the middle finger. I’d say they have been convinced by these court cases that they shouldn’t bother [applying] because they believe this matter is going to be thrown out by the courts.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-09-22-police-allowed-to-conduct-spot-checks-on-foreigners-motsoaledi/">TimesLive</a>

SA Police Allowed To Conduct Spot Checks On Foreigners

Law experts have said employers in South Africa need to know that the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/south-africa-home-affairs-minister-extends-zimbabwean-exemption-permit-full-text/">six-month extension</a> of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwean_Exemption_Permit_Visa">Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP)</a> entails that ZEP holders cannot be arrested or reported from South Africa during this period.
Hedda Schensema, the Director of Employment Law and Taryn York an Associate in Employment Law at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr also said ZEP holders are allowed to enter and or leave South Africa during this period.
On 29 November 2021, a directive was issued by South Africa’s Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) confirming the cabinet’s decision that no further extensions would be granted to Zimbabwean nationals, who were holders of a Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP).
This directive was subsequently withdrawn and replaced by a directive dated 29 December 2021 which stipulated that the validity of all ZEPs had been extended for a period of 12 months, until 31 December 2022, in order to allow permit holders to apply for an alternative ‘mainstream’ visa in terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 (Act).
On 2 September 2022, with the impending expiry date of the validity of ZEPs looming, the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi announced an <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/south-africa-home-affairs-minister-extends-zimbabwean-exemption-permit-full-text/">extension of the validity of ZEPs until 30 June 2023.</a>
<h2>During this period:</h2>
<blockquote>
a). no ZEP holder is required to produce a valid exemption certificate or a letter of authorisation to remain in South Africa when applying for any category of visa;
b). no ZEP holder can be arrested, ordered to depart South Africa, or deported for any reason relating to the ZEP holder not being in possession of a valid exemption certificate in his/her passport; and
c). all ZEP holders are allowed to enter or depart from South Africa, subject to meeting the requisite requirements in terms of the Act.
</blockquote>
This decision was made by the Minister after reviewing the progress report provided by Dr Cassius Lubisi, the head of the Departmental Advisory Committee. In terms of this report, the Minister was advised to consider extending the validity of ZEPs considering inter alia, not many ZEP holders have applied for an alternative ‘mainstream’ visa or waiver application, where applicable.
While this decision provides all ZEPs holders with an additional 6 months to apply for a ‘mainstream’ visa, all ZEPs holders are urged to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is partly due to the DHA’s backlog in the processing of visa and waiver applications, and as the Minister reiterated that no further extensions will be granted.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa: What Employers Need To Know About ZEPs Six-month Extension

Zimbabwean teachers in the Western Cape, South Africa, have welcomed the extension of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) by the South African government.
SA Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi recently told the country’s Parliament that he had extended the ZEPs by another six months to 30 June 2023 after being advised by senior counsel.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean teachers have called for the relaxation of visa requirements and affordable waivers which currently cost R6 000, a figure they consider too high.
Union of Zimbabwe Teachers Western Cape spokesperson Jack Mitsvairo said the extension has brought relief to teachers.
He said the alternative visas disqualified teachers with primary school qualifications and those who taught English, Geography and History. Added Mutsvairo:
<blockquote>
A lot of us have been working as teachers here for 15 years. We pay taxes and we are not a drain on the fiscus at all.
Our appeal to the government is to look at professionals who have employment contracts that are more than five years. These people should get permits of some sort.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/teachers-welcome-extension-of-zimbabwean-exemption-permits-call-for-waivers-b1e42337-fe47-4281-b835-ce3377b8408c?__cf_chl_tk=uLi5YVlaqx_yFxvF6SQMKEikzpQ_bQCoevevxfEIgDk-1663306615-0-gaNycGzNEP0">IOL</a>

Zimbabwean Teachers Welcome ZEP Extension, Call For Waivers

Some Zimbabweans trying to leave South Africa at the Beitbridge border are being stopped from returning, by border guards, because they do not have valid documents, reported <a href="https://groundup.org.za/article/home-affairs-silent-over-treatment-of-zimbabweans-at-beitbridge-border/">GroundUp</a>.
Those who spoke to the publication said they eventually crossed the border through unofficial routes.
An informal trader who spoke to GroundUp said she had decided to return home due to xenophobia in South Africa. She said:
<blockquote>
I cannot stand the current wave of vigilantism in South Africa. The only possible option is to go back home to Zimbabwe.
The wave [of xenophobia] seems to be spreading to all provinces. It’s better I leave before this life-threatening situation is upon us.
</blockquote>
She said she used to travel home almost every two weeks to visit her two children.
<blockquote>
But since 2011, as the situation in Zimbabwe continued to deteriorate, she decided to stay in South Africa and run her informal business.
</blockquote>
She said wants to return home but cannot do so under the new border rules. She said:
<blockquote>
We are ordered to go back to South Africa, but if we go back, we risk being arrested. We are really stuck.
</blockquote>
South Africa recently introduced 200 armed Border Management Authority (BMA) guards in Musina, Limpopo.
The guards are deployed at five “identified vulnerable parts” of the border and work with members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Meanwhile, 178 000 Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders will be deemed illegal migrants in South Africa if they fail to regularise their stay in the country before the expiry of the six-month extension on 30 June 2023.
The ZEP permit was to expire at the end of December 2022 before it was extended by another six months but many families are still opting to voluntarily return to Zimbabwe.

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