SA permits: MWASA to the rescue

“We can only represent those who are our members, so my appeal is that all those who would like us to represent them should come forward while it is still early. We are making a lot of headway and the future looks very bright for our members,” said MWASA spokesman, Ezra Maplanka.

The organisation, whose patron is Bishop Paul Verryn of the Johannesburg Central Methodist Church, last year enlisted the services of MGM Law Assis), to handle its immigration matters and assist DZP beneficiaries when the permits begin to expire.

“Some of the Zimbabweans had applied for asylum status, but were mostly advised to cancel them before they could make any application for a permit, which automatically rendered them in this country illegally, pending on the issuing of the chosen permit,” added Maplanka.

“The application forms had no option for renewal as in all other permits. The DZP permits fell below even the ones that were given to Mozambicans in the year 2000, which gave them five years and an option to either go back home or apply for permanent residence.

“It is common knowledge that most Zimbabweans are not in South Africa by choice, but because of the situation back home. They honoured the call of the DHA with faith, but now there is talk that the permits will not be renewed.”

Should the meetings fail to yield any tangible results, MWASA said it would explore the legal option and “also make sure that we are fully protected from abuse by some authorities”.

Those interested in joining its membership for representation, or those with enquiries, should visit its Johannesburg offices.

301, Third Floor, Budget House, Cnr Main Street and Kruis Street (Next to Carlton Centre, on the road that leads to Gandhi Square) Tel: 011 074 8022, Fax: 0867253859, mobile 0788535353