tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
Government continues to engage South Africa on its decision to terminate Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) on June 30 next year, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Addressing Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
“The nation is being informed that following the decision by the South African government to terminate the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) on June 30, 2023, it is anticipated that there will be a number of returning citizens upon expiry of the permits.
“The nation is being informed that engagements on the issue are being held at the government-to-government level, with the latest ones being held at the Mid-Term Review Meeting of the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Pretoria on August 10, 2022.”
South Africa has expressed concern that less than 10 percent of ZEP holders had applied for available mainstream visas.
Government, Minister Mutsvangwa added, is encouraging the ZEP holders to comply with South African laws.
She, however, said Government, through its institutions, is ready to receive its nationals and is working on mechanisms to facilitate smooth flow of returnees at the Beitbridge Border Post.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter