Zimbabweans yesterday went to apply for passports at the Zimbabwe consulate in Johannesburg Central. Contrary to what we were told, passports can only be delivered after six weeks and not 10 days. This actually makes the South Africa Home affairs' 31 December 2010 deadline impossible to meet.
The MDC SA leadership together with members of the Civic society will be conducting an unannounced snap inspection of the Zimbabwe consulate today
(21 September 2010) in an effort to gauge the preparedness of the Zimbabwe government to deliver passports in time.
It is now clear that the deadlines will not the met and we appeal to Home Affairs to come up with another realistic deadline. Insisting on a deadline which will be missed by close to a Million Zimbabweans is not in the best interest of anyone.
Zimbabweans, with South African identity books, are also skeptical about the catch which is being put on the table by Home Affairs.
People who have stayed in SA for more than 10 years in possession of the green books are not seduced by the offer of a four year work or business permit. Even deporting them will not stop them from coming back to Msanzi where they have already established families, homes and businesses. This category resorted to that route as the only easy genuine means to access work, business and study opportunities and never to swindle anybody. These people hope that Home Affairs will be sensitive enough and extend a permanent resident permit to them.
Post published in: News