We welcome the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP), which replaces the Dispensation for Zimbabweans Project (DZP) started in 2010, and note the significant difference it has made in the lives of many Zimbabweans who were presented with the opportunity of regularizing their stay in South Africa. Zimbabweans who will be issued with permits under the new dispensation will be able to live in South Africa until 31 December 2017.
We appreciate the announcement made by Home Affairs minister, Malusi Gigaba, on Thursday, September 25, 2014 that the Department of Home Affairs is ready to roll-out the ZSP from 1 October 2014. The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition commits itself to working with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs in disseminating information regarding the new dispensation as well as monitoring the entire process. We will also continue to work with existing solidarity partners in South Africa.
Whilst we welcome the Zimbabwe Special Permit, we would like, however, to remind minister Gigaba and the South African government a large that Zimbabwe’s political and economic crises are far from resolved and will continue to have an effect on South Africa.
We, therefore, urge president Jacob Zuma to impress upon the Zimbabwe government, the need to urgently institute democratic reforms and provide clarity on its economic policies, without which the country will not be able to decisively deal with its current challenges.
We also plead with the South African government to explore ways in which they can consider assisting the many Zimbabweans who are not part of the 295,000 that are catered for under DZP to regularize their stay in South Africa under the new ZSP dispensation.
Issued by: Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition
Contact persons:
1. Dewa Mavhinga, Chairperson, Mobile: 002773 521 1813
2. Mfundo Mlilo, Spokesperson, Mobile: 00263 772 127 397
3. Joy Mabenge, Acting National Coordinator, Mobile: 0027 83 389 2370
Email: coordinator@crisiszimbabwe.org; Website: www.crisiszimbabwe.org
Post published in: News