JOHANNESBURG - Zimbabwean nationals working as security guards here face an uncertain future after South Africa's government ruled ahead of the just-ended Zimbabwe Documentation Project that they would not be issued with permits to retain their jobs. According to a bill that is still being debated in Parliament, only South African nationals with green bar-coded ID book and foreign nationals with permanent residence permits would be allowed to work as security guards in the country.
The development has left these nationals unsure of their future ahead of deportations that South Africa said will resume in August.
Among these is Brian Moyo, who is currently employed by a Johannesburg-based security company.
“The future is bleak,” he said. “I did not apply for a permit, which means I will be out of my job in August and face possible deportation without any documentation. I am the sole bread winner in my family and I shudder to think of what will happen to me and my family back home when I lose my job and subsequently am deported.”
Zimbabweans have since the economic and political crises left their country in droves in search of greener pastures in neighbouring South Africa. A high number of these have found decent jobs as security guards, earning at least R2 500 monthly. Those in administration at security companies take home up to R10 000 per month.
Some Zimbabweans have risen through the ranks to start their own security companies.
MDC (M) South Africa secretary general, Ngqabutho Dube, said security guards faced a bleak future owing to regulations government was likely to implement later this year.
“They should come to our offices and we see how we and other stakeholders can assist them regularize their stay in South Africa,” he said this week in Berea.
Post published in: News