LISTEN: Special arrangements needed for Zimbabweans working in SA - Diaspora network
Chairperson of the Africa Diaspora Workers’ Network, Janet Munakamwe says the South African government should consider special arrangements for Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa.
Munakamwe's comment comes after the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, extended the validity of the Zimbabwe special permits by another six months.
The permits were set to expire at the end of this year, leaving thousands of Zimbabweans in the country with no choice but to return home or face being in the country illegally.
The extension grants Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP)holders an opportunity to apply for alternative visas or waivers.
But Munakamwe says while the extension is welcome news, most Zimbabweans do not qualify for alternative visas.
"This is the most welcome decision of our time, it actually came as a surprise because we have noted that the issue of migration and ZEP have been politicised for a very long time, in such a way that ZEP holders have actually lost hope,” she says.
“We are glad that Home Affairs and the minister have actually come to their senses and considered this particular decision in line with our African principle of Ubuntu.”
Listen to Munakamwe below:
Munakamwe says the department should consider making special arrangements for domestic workers, farm workers and low-skilled people.
"The reality on the ground is that the very same holders of the special permits do not qualify for alternative visas,” she says.
“Here I am talking about domestic workers, farm workers, informal traders, and casual workers.”
She adds: “The six months further extension may even be more physiologically challenging because one knows that even by June next year they will still not qualify, so perhaps it is time for the department to consider the most vulnerable working class who are also ZEP holders, in such a way that there are special arrangements."
Listen to Munakamwe below:
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