SA decision on Zim permits awaited

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SOUTH AFRICAN Home Affairs minister Malusi Gigaba is expected to further consult Cabinet on the emotive extension of Zimbabwean permits and announce a decision before next week Friday amid indications that most permits would be renewed.

SOUTH AFRICAN Home Affairs minister Malusi Gigaba is expected to further consult Cabinet on the emotive extension of Zimbabwean permits and announce a decision before next week Friday amid indications that most permits would be renewed.

NQOBILE BHEBHE CHIEF REPORTER

Gigaba and his Zimbabwe counterpart Kembo Mohadi held talks last week in Pretoria to seek common ground on the permits dispensation time frame which is due to expire before the end of the year.

Most permits issued to about 250 000 Zimbabweans in 2009 to legalise their stay in South Africa have expired fuelling anxiety.

Zimbabwe Community in South Africa (ZCSA) chairperson Ngqabutho Mabhena told Southern Eye that they were hopeful “Gigaba will stick to his timeline as some permits have expired and Zimbabweans are getting worried”.

“Gigaba is to consult over the issues discussed with Mohadi in their meeting in Pretoria.

“All issues that are of concern to Zimbabwe nationals resident in South Africa were raised with Gigaba by Mohadi,” Mabhena said.

“It should be noted that a few weeks ago, Gigaba informed Parliament that he was to make an announcement on or before 15 August 2014 on the issue of special permits issued to Zimbabweans four years ago. We believe that Gigaba will stick to his timeline as some permits have expired and Zimbabweans are getting worried.”

He appealed to the affected “Zimbabweans to allow Gigaba to do the necessary consultations”.

Prior to meeting Gigaba, Mohadi held preparatory talks with ZCSA representatives.

ZCSA is an organisation assisting Zimbabweans to comply with the new South African permit system immigration requirements.

During the meeting, the ZCSA team advocated for permit holders to be issued with at least two-year extension.

“This will allow those who want to apply for permanent residence to do so,” ZCSA said.

It was also suggested that 6 000 Zimbabweans who had South African identity documents and responded to the amnesty should be allowed to apply for permanent residence.

Scores of permits beneficiaries are said to have acquired and registered properties using South African IDs, including drivers’ licences and various insurance policies.