Government opens doors to citizens in SA

Government opens doors to citizens in SA

 

Pretty Manyewe

 

• How Government is planning to rescue citizens from ridicule in SA

 

Isaac Chirwa, one of Zimbabwe`s veteran musicians did a song titled ‘Send them home.’

 

In the song, Chirwa makes a plea to the mine owners in Wenela, an euphemised name for mines in neighbouring South Africa.

 

The song was a reflective work of art wading into the memory of hardships faced by immigrants in South Africa under apartheid rule.

 

Years later, under the supposed black rule, immigrants are still unsafe in the neighbouring country.

 

Over the past few years, there have been cases of xenophobia and they appear to be recurring.

 

Sometimes, there are policy positions taken by Pretoria, which put foreigners at risk – like the recent decision not to renew Zimbabwe Exemption Permits.

 

This has increased the targeting of Zimbabweans by xenophobic figures.

 

As a response to the decision, the Embassy and the Consulates of Zimbabwe are conducting a mapping exercise to help Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders return home.

 

The validity of the ZEPs was then extended to June 30, 2023 and after the date a significant number of Zimbabweans are expected back home.

 

“Since the announcement of the decision by the government of South Africa to not renew the ZRP, the government of Zimbabwe has stated, on numerous occasions, its readiness not only to welcome but also to facilitate those ZEP holders who wish to return to Zimbabwe,” the Embassy of Zimbabwe stated.

 

The mapping exercise, which will be conducted in February and March 2023, across all the Provinces of South Africa, will have two parts.

 

The first will be an online registration that is open from February 2 to March 3, 2023. The second will involve physical visits by multisectoral teams to designated areas across South Africa. The teams will comprise officials from the Embassy, the Consulates, and several government Ministries.

 

“The first phase will entail an online registration where those who wish to be assisted are invited to register their details on that platform,” the Embassy of Zimbabwe stated.

 

In addition to the online registration, registration centers will be opened across South Africa for in-person registration, with dates to be announced soon.

 

The Embassy of Zimbabwe reminds Zimbabweans living in South Africa to be law-abiding citizens and respect the laws of the land.

 

“The Embassy takes this opportunity to remind Zimbabwe nationals living in South Africa to be law-abiding citizens and respect the laws of the land,” the Embassy stated.

 

Those with vehicles and property which needs to be brought into Zimbabwe will be assisted, and those who want to enrol their children into Zimbabwean schools will also be given support.