More time for ZEP holders before they are forced to return to Zimbabwe

2-minute read
06 July 2023 | 16:05 CAT

Image: NEASA

Zimbabwean citizens living in South Africa as part of the Zimbabwean exemption permit can sigh a breath of relief after the High Court found Home Affairs’ Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to terminate the ZEPs unlawfully, unconstitutional and invalid. This was after the decision by the Minister to terminate the Exemption permit this year.

Since 2009, eligible Zimbabweans have been granted exemption permits to live and work in South Africa. This specific type of permit, now known as the ZEP, was introduced for those who fled to South Africa due to their home country’s economic and political strife.

The ZEP was due to expire in December 2021. Motsoaledi decided not to renew the permit, which affects more than 178 000 people and extended the expiration deadline to the end of June 2023, which was later changed to December 2023.

The court found that the Minister did not follow a fair process before making his decision, which should have included consultation and an opportunity for ZEP holders to make representations.

Chairman of the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation, Luke Dzviti, welcomes the court ruling. While the ZEP permit is valid until 28 June 2024, the Zimbabwe Immigration Federation is submitting part B which will last three years longer, and there is potential that the ZEP might likely be valid until June 2027, says Dzviti.

The Zimbabwe Immigration Federation has fought tooth and nail to interdict the implementation of the decision by Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi not to extend the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.

Fighting For His Political Life

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 06 August 2026 2-minute read The Impeachment Committee is to decide whether President Ramaphosa should be impeached following the Phala Phala scandal. An evidence leader, advocate Thandazani Madonsela, has been recommended to...

March and March says Radio Islam’s interviews on Islamophobia spark reflection

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za 7 August 2026 | 08:26 CAT 1-minute read March and March national spokesperson Sandile Dube said that Radio Islam's questioning will prompt the organisation to reflect on criticism that it has become increasingly hostile towards the...

Ramaphosa backs Eskom grid split to drive energy reform

4 August 2026 | 15:45 CAT 2-minute read Eskom’s transmission business is being prepared to become a fully independent state-owned grid company. Generation and distribution remain burdened by debt, ageing infrastructure and unpaid municipal accounts. An independent...

Influencing Democracy

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 04 August 2026 2-minute read An article written by human rights lawyer and founder of the organization The Campaign for Free Expression Nicole Fritz claims that paid social media influencers and coordinated fake news campaigns...

A Swim To Ceuta

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 03 August 2026 2-minute read Pressures driving irregular migration and the challenges facing both Morrocco and Spain have come to the fore once again, as scores of Moroccans returned to their homeland after entering the...

Palestine Report

3 August 2026 | 11:00 CAT 3-minute read Gaza disarmament, settler violence and pressure on aid workers The reported Hamas disarmament framework, escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank and a growing international crackdown on Gaza advocates were among...