A source from within the Department of Home Affairs said this would however, hinge on the bearers managing to satisfy some requirements, especially proving that they have been employed, studying or doing business for the duration of the permit, or a greater part of that time.
The source also revealed that even those who did not make it when the DZP was launched in 2010 would be given a chance to apply this time.
“The DZP was an experimental programme meant to save government money and also explore if business and the economy would improve in the process,” said the source.
“So far, it has proven to be very successful and government is happy with the first phase of the programme. I can assure you that the programme will not only see permits being renewed, but will also be extended beyond those who got the first permits.”
For a permit renewal, the bearer should be free of a criminal conviction, provide proof of employment, study or business.
“The plan is to give an extra year to those who already had permits, while new applicants will be thoroughly screened this time and required to satisfy some requirements that are still being set by government.”
Some of the requirements are that people should prove that they are employed under the category of “critical skills” or have their employers come forward to vouch for them.
“New work and business permits will be valid for four years, in line with new government policy on migration, while study permits will be valid for the duration of the course,” added the source.
“After the permit has completed five years, the bearer will be given citizenship in the same manner Zimbabweans were given in 1996. This has been because businesses have begun to focus on Zimbabwe and this has further strengthened the local economy.”
Most South African business sectors, like insurance and banking, have since the launch of the DZP, designed programmes specifically targeting Zimbabweans and would not like to lose that, according to the source.
“Talks are going on between governments on how to roll out the second phase in a manner that will benefit both countries.”
DHA Director-general, Mkuseli Apleni, was non-committal on the issue earlier this week.
“There will soon be a cabinet announcement on the DZP and what will happen with the expiring permits, so I cannot say anything much now,” said Apleni.
Post published in: News
The renewal of the dzp permits is a step in the right direction and the only fair thing to do considering that most of the holders of these permits are people who have been working in SA for a long time. I, for one, worked for six years(2003 to 2009) using an asylum permit and gave this permit up for the dzp permit. I have to admit that, of late, I have had sleepless nights wandering what would happen to me if these permits are not renewable.
wish to see this development
Anyone with an idea when this extension will be effective?
I applyed the permit and rejected they told me to write a letter i did bt still now they say its not out. Is it still going to cum out or not?
On behalf on all the Zimbabweans, l would like to thank the Government for the opportunity to renew. l, myself is very grateful.Sometimes when the law is tightened and made difficult to meet the requirements-it makes it hard for the poor people. Thank you very much
WHATS WITH THE STORY THAT WE AL HAVE TO GO BACK HOME AND REAPPLY FROM THERE, DOES ANY ONE HAVE INFO ABOUT THAT?
DZP renewal is a step in the right direction.
they are mixed reactions over this issue of permits there is no concrete evidence on what will happen when it comes to renew the permit to me it doesn’t make sense for sending us to our respective countries where they know we couldn’t earn a living what we need is to get documents and work.SA need to consider a couple of things that we are contributing in their economy ,if they can do a survey on loans and accounts they will see that most of us are paying we are not in arrears ,once they send us away I tell you most businesses will sufferbut will only cross the bridge when we comes to it ,we cannot go against Gods will
Thank you to the gvo of SA, I heard pple talking out side saying there’s no renewal for our permit’s. thank you a lot to the goverment of SA for thinking of us.
everyone was wondering as to what was going to happen as pple who are employed using those permits relay in these documents
It would be unfair for those zimbabweans who were honest enough to come forward with their fraudulent documents, since the sa gvt afforded them amenesty and considering that those who surrendered their documents had stayed for a longtime and considered south africa as their home. Zimbabwe’s economy has not picked and these people have to go back and start afresh, which could ruin their lives yet there fugitives and criminals who did not come forward but would remain in south africa. Because of economic hardships in zim most of the people who attained these fraudulent documents and surrendered them are honest and poor people trying to make a living. Am appealing to the government of sa to grant them residence permit/citizenship judging their stay from their fraudulent documents. Please we are africans lets feel for each other.
ae some fugitives and criminals who did not come forward but are going to remian in south africa.
HOPE FOR THE BEST FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT
This issue of extension seems not be true because i was at home affairs and my application for renewal or getting any permit was rejected and i was told to go back to Zim.so i don’t think its true. I am working and i meet all the criteria to get a permit but it was just a futile exercise for me to go to home affairs. I actually thought the DZP was a blessing in disguise instead its turning out to be a curse.
IF YOU DO NOT RENEW THIS DZP WE ARE GOING TO LOST MANY THINGS BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE GOT LOANS AND CREDITS WHICH ARE STILL RAINING
I would like to sincerely thank the South African Government firstly for the opportunity that they gave us with these DZP permits,i must frankly say that i speak for most when i state that our lives have really changed for the better ever since we got those permits.I would really like to say i will be even more grateful if we got an extension and hopefully Permanent residence.I would also like to appeal to some of our ungrateful Zimbabwean who make funny comments.Remember that this is grace that was given to us and it is not a right or let me say that the Government does not owe us anything so let us stop acting like they do. I must say that i am really hoping that it works out in our favor and we will by all means not disappoint and continue to work very hard.
I would like to sincerely thank the South African Government firstly for the opportunity that they gave us with these DZP permits,i must frankly say that i speak for most when i state that our lives have really changed for the better ever since we got those permits.I would really like to say i will be even more grateful if we got an extension and hopefully Permanent residence.I would also like to appeal to some of our ungrateful Zimbabwean who make funny comments.Remember that this is grace that was given to us and it is not a right or let me say that the Government does not owe us anything so let us stop acting like they do. I must say that i am really hoping that it works out in our favor and we will by all means not disappoint and continue to work very hard.
Hope for the best pliz we are people
SA government please consider those students who graduated in SA no matter they were on DZP or other study permit I think it will be best to do the way UK is doing to offer permanent residents to all foreign Graduates so that there will less competition for scarce skills
Couldn’t be written any better. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!