Source: SA govt slaps Dudula in the face -Newsday Zimbabwe
SOUTH Africa’s vigilante groups, that have been harassing foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans residing in the neighbouring country, have been slapped in the face by their government after Pretoria extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) until May 28, 2027.
The special permits for 178 000 Zimbabwe immigrants were due to expire at the end of next month before the extension by Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber on Tuesday.
“I Schreiber, MP, Minister of Home Affairs, with the powers bestowed upon me in terms of section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act (Immigration Act) has decided to extend the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) until May 28, 2027,” the minister said in a statement.
“Pending the conclusion of consultations, I (appointed) the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) with effect from April 1, 2025.
“The IAB has met on several occasions and deliberated among themselves on the immediate future and a long-term solution for holders of ZEP permits.
“Existing ZEPs shall be deemed to remain valid for an additional eight months after the current expiry date of November 28, 2025.”
ZEP holders and illegal immigrants in that country were facing constant attack from vigilante groups such as Dudula and being barred from accessing health facilities such as clinics and hospitals, as well as education facilities for their children.
The vigilante groups were also targeting company owners, questioning why they employed foreign nationals.
Dudula members were also targeting children of foreign nationals, saying they should be barred from attending that country’s public schools.
South Africa-based Zimbabwe Exiles Forum programmes manager Diana Chambara said the extension of ZEPs protected permit holders from xenophobic attacks.
“It is a good move by the South African government in general and the Department of Home Affairs in particular as it gives ZEP holders a reprieve from immediate uncertainty,” Chambara said.
“Such vigilante operations should cease forthwith (attacking ZEP holders), not just because ZEPs have been extended, but also because they are unlawful and contrary to South African law.”
United Kingdom-based lawyer Lumumba Guduza echoed similar sentiments.
“It has already been determined that they are in South Africa legally,” Guduza said.
“This effectively means they can engage in any lawful activities without fear of being harassed.”
Nkayi Community Parliament speaker Nhlanhla Moses Ncube, who worked as a teacher for many years in South Africa, said the official government position was premised on the spirit of Ubuntu and international goodwill.
“This position is in tandem with international relations standards and portrays South Africa positively as a global destination,” he said.
“The extension of ZEP is always a welcome move as it shows respect for human beings and their rights.
“Dudula groups should adopt the ideals that freed South Africa from apartheid.”
Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele said the South African government should consider giving Zimbabweans permanent residence status.
“Operation Dudula must focus on the engagement of the Ministry of Home Affairs to help reduce the number of illegal immigrants,” he said.
“It is too reactive at the moment.
“It must become more proactive by finding solutions to help end the flow of illegal immigrants to South Africa.”
Global Immigration and Legal Consultancy director Gabriel Shumba urged Pretoria to find a lasting solution to the ZEP special permit.
“We, however, believe that the ZEP issue could have been handled in a more compassionate, fair and procedurally correct manner from the very beginning, and the courts have vindicated this perception,” Shumba said.
“We say this on the backdrop of the honesty with which ZEP holders have tried to regularise their sojourn, children born after the passage of such a long time and the contribution this special category has made already.
“While the consultation process is unfolding, we encourage those who want to migrate from the ZEP to mainstream permits to do so as reliance on an uncertain outcome may prove disastrous in the long run.”
Zimbabwean nationals were granted ZEPs in terms of section 13(2)(0) of the Immigration Act of 2002.
South Africa is a destination of choice for Zimbabweans and other African immigrants fleeing war, hunger and poverty in their home countries.
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