ZimCommunitySA Welcomes ZEP Extension But Seeks Clearer Plan

Zimbabwean civil society organisations in South Africa have welcomed the South African government’s decision to extend the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) until 28 May 2027.

The extension provides thousands of Zimbabwean nationals with temporary relief from the risk of deportation or loss of legal status.

The announcement, published in Government Gazette No. 53484 under Minister’s Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025, comes after months of uncertainty for over 170,000 Zimbabweans living, working, and studying in South Africa.

The new directive allows ZEP holders to remain in the country lawfully while broader policy consultations on the future of special permits continue.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa said that, while it welcomed the extension, it would have preferred a “more conclusive announcement” outlining a final and inclusive solution for all affected Zimbabweans. It said:

“Piecemeal extensions leave families and workers in prolonged uncertainty, affecting livelihoods and creating confusion among those who have sought to transition to mainstream visa categories.”

ZimCommunitySA raised concerns about the administrative hurdles facing permit holders when dealing with VFS Global and other South African departments.

These issues include high rejection rates, technical errors in waiver applications, and system glitches that have delayed renewals and study permit applications for children.

The group also reported cases of traffic departments refusing to renew drivers’ licences and service providers demanding physical permit stickers, even though the government gazette confirms the permits’ validity.

To address these problems, ZimCommunitySA has suggested that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and VFS Global issue temporary certifications or stickers to make verification easier and prevent harassment or wrongful rejection of valid permits.

The organisation also called on the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB) and DHA to engage directly with affected communities to develop a lasting and humane migration policy.

It appealed to employers and policymakers to recognise that the ongoing uncertainty around the permits disrupts workplaces and families that depend on the contributions of permit holders.

At the same time, ZimCommunitySA expressed gratitude to the South African government for its hospitality and regional solidarity, reaffirming its commitment to “cooperation, lawful conduct, and constructive dialogue.”