Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Community in South Africa (ZimCommunitySA) has welcomed Pretoria’s latest move to extend the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) by another 18 months, describing it as a huge relief for thousands of Zimbabweans working, studying, and living across the Limpopo.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced the extension through Government Gazette No. 53484, issued under Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025. The ZEPs, some of which were due to expire at the end of November, will now remain valid until 28May 2025.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ZimCommunitySA said the decision was a compassionate one that safeguarded livelihoods while broader policy consultations continue.
“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,” read the statement.
However, the group cautioned that ongoing “piecemeal extensions” were keeping families and workers in prolonged uncertainty.
“While we appreciate every effort by the South African government, we must express concern that piecemeal extensions leave families and workers in prolonged uncertainty, affecting livelihoods and creating confusion among those trying to transition to mainstream visa categories,” the organisation said.
ZimCommunitySA also noted growing administrative challenges faced by permit holders, including high rejection rates for waiver applications, system errors on VFS Global, and service providers demanding physical permit stickers despite the gazette confirming validity.
The organisation urged authorities to consider issuing temporary validity stickers or certifications to ZEP holders to ease verification challenges and prevent harassment.
“We therefore propose that, through 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,” the statement added.
ZimCommunitySA further appealed to South Africa’s Immigration Advisory Board and Department of Home Affairs to consult directly with affected communities to develop a lasting, humane solution.
“We remain deeply grateful to the Republic of South Africa for its continued hospitality and regional solidarity,” said the group. “We reaffirm our commitment to cooperation, lawful conduct, and constructive dialogue in pursuit of a clear and lasting pathway for all affected Zimbabweans.”
