The formal extension goes beyond the
original decision to let the permits expire
at the end of last year, but to allow
Zimbabweans who had been holders to
continue living and working in South
Africa, but without any formal legal
status, which was generating a number of
serious problems when it came to things
like bank accounts.
The Zimbabwean exemption permit was
introduced in 2009 as a temporary
solution to legalise the stay of some
Zimbabweans in South Africa, as part of
strong bilateral ties that exist between the
two countries.
South African publication, Times Live,
reported that on Thursday the South
African Cabinet decided to grant the
grace period.
“During this period the holders of this
permit should apply for other permits
appropriate to their particular status or
j)
situation,” read part of the message.
“This decision was motivated by our
desire to ensure eligible Zimbabweans
can regularise their stay in SA. We appeal
to the holders of this permit to use the 12
months to regularise their status in SA.”
It means holders of the exemption cannot
be arrested or ordered to depart South
Africa and are allowed to enter into or
depart from South Africa during this year.
The extension is a confirmation of the
level of importance placed on the human
resources coming from Zimbabwe as
well as the excellent relations that exist
between the two countries.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Home Affairs
Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi denied
reports from some jurisdictions that there
was a crisis at the Beitbridge Border Post
between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Dr Motsoaledi was on a working visit in
Limpopo since Sunday, and raised
concerns over illegal border crossing
which the two countries are jointly
working to bring to an end.
Speaking to the SABC News, Dr
Motsoaledi urged the public to stop
circulating false information that causes
unnecessary panic.
“I have seen those pictures and I was
disappointed and shocked at the same
time because I arrived at Beitbridge on
the morning of the second, immediately
after New Year,” he said in an interview
with SABC.
”
“So, I have been there all the time and
have seen these pictures, which were
shown all over, depicting the scene where
I was and found quite surprising.
“But at least one of the pictures we
recognise as a picture that was taken last
year on January 4 and they are depicting
the situation that happened a year ago
and say is happening now,” says Dr
Motsoaledi.
The South African Government’s
observation vindicates President
Mnangagwa’s administration which is on
record that the negative reflection of
Zimbabwe on social media is internally
generated and false.
