SA work permit renewal shock

By Nelson Sibanda

Over two million Zimbabweans are believed to be resident in South Africa for political and economic reasons. 

The majority of them have been living in fear following statements by the SA Home Office that renewals of work permits issued in 2010 will be handled ‘from their home countries’.

South African Ambassador Vusi Mavimbela said his government had not yet communicated with him regarding the modalities surrounding the renewal process.

Many Zimbabweans working down south are apprehensive that, after last week’s elections, the new government might adopt a foreign policy that would impact negatively on their residence status.

“Since the ANC endorsed Zimbabwe elections as free and fair, there are chances that the government might consider sending us home to rebuild our economy,” said Misheck Samuriwo, who is based in Durban.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi, recently said Zimbabwe had not received formal communication from its counterpart across the Limpopo about the permits. The Zimbabwean