Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
ZIMBABWEANS based in South Africa have welcomed the neighbouring country’s decision to extend the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) by another 18 months, describing it as a relief for thousands of citizens working, studying and living across the Limpopo.
On Tuesday, South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs extended the validity of the special permits — some of which were due to expire at the end of November — until May 28, 2027.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber announced the extension through Government Gazette No. 53484, issued under Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025 and in terms of section 31(2)(b) of South Africa’s immigration law.
The Zimbabwe Community in South Africa (ZimCommunitySA), which represents the interests of Zimbabwean nationals in the country, said the decision safeguards the right of many to remain lawfully in South Africa and protects them from the risk of deportation or harassment.
“We acknowledge this extension as a positive and humane decision that provides temporary relief to thousands of Zimbabweans living, studying and working in South Africa. However, it is our sincere hope that this would have been a more conclusive announcement outlining a final and inclusive solution,” said ZimCommunitySA in a statement yesterday.
While expressing appreciation, ZimCommunitySA noted that the continued short-term extensions have created prolonged uncertainty, affecting livelihoods and family stability.
The group also highlighted practical challenges faced by permit holders, including high rejection rates of visa and waiver applications through VFS Global, system failures, and difficulties renewing driver’s licences or accessing services where officials demand a physical permit sticker, despite the gazette confirming validity.
“We therefore propose that, through an arrangement with VFS Global and the Department of Home Affairs, a temporary ZEP validity sticker or certification be issued to holders to ease verification challenges and reduce the harassment and administrative rejection faced when presenting the gazette printout as proof,” said ZimCommunitySA.
The organisation urged the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) and the Department of Home Affairs to engage directly with affected communities and advocacy groups to craft a long-term, rights-based solution that reflects both humanitarian and economic realities.
“We remain deeply grateful to the Republic of South Africa for its continued hospitality and regional solidarity, and we reaffirm our commitment to lawful conduct and constructive dialogue in pursuit of a clear and lasting pathway for all affected Zimbabweans,” the organisation said.
The ZEP programme was introduced in 2017, replacing the earlier Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP) system that began in 2014. Both initiatives were designed to regularise the stay of hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans who migrated to South Africa.
An estimated 178 000 Zimbabweans at present hold valid ZEPs, allowing them to work, study and conduct business legally in South Africa. However, the future of the permit has remained uncertain since 2021, when South Africa initially announced its intention to discontinue the programme.
The matter has since been the subject of numerous court challenges and policy reviews, with human rights groups arguing that the termination would amount to mass deportations and violate international refugee and labour conventions.
Londile Moyo