South African opposition party ActionSA has criticised Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber’s decision to extend the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) until 28 May 2027.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 8 October, the party described the move as “another act of indecision and weakness” by a government that continues to avoid addressing South Africa’s immigration crisis directly.
ActionSA argued that the country does not need repeated extensions, but rather decisive leadership, clear timelines, and a firm commitment to the rule of law.
While the party supports a humane and orderly approach to immigration, it said the continued reliance on temporary measures risks eroding public confidence, undermining border security, and perpetuating inequality between citizens and foreign nationals. The party added:
“The Minister’s excuse of “ongoing consultations” with the Immigration Advisory Board offers no comfort to South Africans who have waited years for decisive action.
“There is still no clear, time-bound plan to resolve this long-standing issue, leaving our borders porous and our immigration system in disarray.
“ActionSA calls on the Minister to publish a comprehensive and time-bound transition plan that sets firm deadlines for the conclusion of consultations and implementation of immigration reforms.
“Furthermore, he must strengthen the Border Management Authority and internal enforcement capacity to decisively curb illegal immigration and restore the integrity of our immigration laws by ending this cycle of indefinite extensions.
“Every further delay deepens social tensions, weakens accountability, and tells law-abiding South Africans that their government lacks the political courage to lead.
“ActionSA remains resolute in its vision for a lawful, compassionate, and accountable immigration framework, one that upholds our humanitarian obligations without sacrificing the security, jobs, and dignity of South African citizens.”
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