Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) holders have found their Capitec bank accounts in South Africa closed, leaving many uncertain about their financial future.
According to Ngqabutho Mabhena, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa, the closure of accounts has impacted many Zimbabweans living in South Africa, who rely on these accounts for day-to-day financial transactions and remittances to their families in Zimbabwe.
On November 28, 2024, just as the ZEP was set to expire, South African Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced that the validity of the permits would be extended for an additional 12 months, until November 28, 2025.
This decision provided relief to thousands of Zimbabweans living in South Africa under the ZEP status, allowing them more time to adjust their status or make alternative arrangements.
Despite the government’s extension of the ZEP validity, the closure of bank accounts has raised questions about the interpretation of the extension and the treatment of Zimbabweans living in South Africa.
In his statement, Mabhena called on permit holders to take directive 15 of 2024 to their branches so they can receive assistance.
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Capitec Bank in South Africa closed the bank accounts of Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders. This has affected many Zimbabweans who rely on these accounts for money transactions. The South African government extended the ZEP validity for 12 months, giving relief to those affected. Despite this, the closure of bank accounts is causing confusion. The chairperson of the Zimbabwean Community in South Africa, Ngqabutho Mabhena, is urging permit holders to go to their bank branches for help. Many Zimbabweans are worried about their financial future due to this situation.

Capitec Bank Closes Bank Accounts Of ZEP Holders

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA) have introduced new technology, including drones and “deportation buses,” to address the anticipated increase in border crossings during the festive season.
According to <a href="https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/804045/south-africa-launches-new-drones-and-deportation-buses-to-fight-illegal-immigrants/">BusinessTech</a>, this is the first implementation of such measures aimed at managing the country’s borders.
At the launch event, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said that the use of drones will enhance the department’s ability to monitor and manage border activities effectively. He said:
<blockquote>
No longer will it be the case that people can move around without us having eyes on them. We want to send a very clear message to people who want to violate South Africa’s emigration laws: for the very first time, you won’t even know that we are seeing you.
We are above you, we are around you, and we are watching for infringements along the borderline.
</blockquote>
In addition to deploying drones, the Department is also implementing the use of body cameras to combat corruption and ensure the safety of officials, including border guards and the defence force.
Meanwhile, the buses will be on the roads, transporting illegal immigrants caught crossing the border back to their home countries. Said Schreiber:
<blockquote>
We welcome any traveller, any investor, any tourist, any skilled person who will follow our laws and help us build South Africa.
But that is different from people who violate our law and don’t want to comply with our rules.
You will find we have a renewed commitment to enforcing the rule of law in South Africa. That is how you create a secure country.
</blockquote>
Schreiber revealed that the buses have already deported the first group of 290 illegal miners back to Mozambique.
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South Africa is using new technology like drones and deportation buses to stop people from crossing the border. The drones will watch people moving around, and body cameras will help prevent corruption. Illegal immigrants caught will be sent back home on buses. The goal is to make South Africa safe by enforcing the country's laws. The first group of 290 illegal miners was already sent back to Mozambique. The government wants people to follow the rules and help build a secure country.

South Africa Launches New Drones And "Deportation Buses" To Curb Border Jumping

The South African government has extended the validity of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) until November 28, 2025.
Previously, ZEP holders were required to apply by Friday, November 29, 2024, for a one-year exemption that would allow them to stay and work in South Africa until November 2025, or face deportation.
However, the ZEP Holders Association (ZEPHA) raised concerns that the backlog at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) made it impossible for many holders to meet the application deadline.
In response, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, granted a reprieve to ZEP holders by extending the permits for an additional year.
Schreiber announced the extension in a notice issued Friday, explaining that the extra time would allow for further consultation with ZEP holders and other stakeholders regarding the future of the current arrangement. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
1. I, Dr L. A. Schreiber, MP, Minister of Home Affairs, with the powers bestowed upon me in terms of section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act, (“Immigration Act”) have decided to extend the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (“ZEP”) until 28 November 2025 in order for me to fulfill the duty placed on me by the Gauteng High Court to consult the affected ZEP holders and all other stakeholders on the future of the current dispensation.
2. The reactivation of the Immigration Advisory Board (“IAB”) is currently underway and its first task will be to consider, advise and enable the steps required for compliance with the Order of the High Court on the future of the ZEP. In order to give the IAB time to properly do its work, and a fair process to be followed, I direct that:
2.1 existing ZEPS shall be deemed to remain valid for the next (12) twelve months;
2.2. no holder of a ZEP may be arrested, ordered to depart or be detained for purposes of deportation or deported in terms of section 34 of the Immigration Act for any reason related to him or her not having any valid exemption certificate;
2.3. the holder of an exemption certificate may be allowed to enter into or depart from the Republic of South Africa in terms of section 9 of the Immigration Act, read together with the Immigration Regulations, 2014, provided that he or she complies with all other requirements for entry into and departure from the Republic, save for the reason of not having a valid visa endorsed in his or her passport; and
2.4.no ZEP holder should be required to produce a valid exemption certificate, visa or an authorisation letter to remain in the Republic as contemplated in section 32(1) of the Immigration Act when making an application for any category of the visa for a temporary sojourn in the Republic as contemplated in section 10(2) of the Immigration Act.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The South African government is letting people from Zimbabwe stay and work in South Africa until November 2025 with a special permit called Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs). They extended the deadline for applying for this permit because many people couldn't do it on time. The Minister of Home Affairs in South Africa said they are giving more time to talk to the people who have this permit and others to decide what to do next. This means no one with a ZEP will be deported, and they can still enter and leave South Africa for the next year without any problems.

South Africa Extends Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) By Another Year

The Zimbabwean government is in talks with South Africa about its citizens who may be deported after their ZEP permits expire.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber recently announced that 19,750 undocumented immigrants were deported, costing the government nearly R52.8 million (about US$3 million).
Zimbabwe has the highest number of illegal immigrants in South Africa, with over 7,000 Zimbabweans deported in 2022/2023.
In the Senate on Wednesday, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the government is in talks with South African officials over the planned deportations of undocumented citizens. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034038/govt-engages-sa-over-deportations">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
South Africa has its own laws that govern their own immigration. What we can do as a government is to ensure that the needs of our people, wherever possible, are governed by the bilateral relations that we have, that we can assist them.
The issue of Zimbabweans in South Africa is that the South African government has decided that they no longer want to renew the permits that were given after 2008, they said that they wanted to remove them.
So, we wait to see whether the South Africans will be amenable to negotiating to have our people who have been staying there stay but are within the jurisdiction of the South African Government.
We have held negotiations, but it is something that is not very easy to tell the government to say, you must take our citizens and give them work; however, diplomatic and bilateral discussions between our Foreign Affairs ministry and their Department of International Relations are on-going.
</blockquote>
ZEP was introduced by the South African Department of Home Affairs to regularize the status of undocumented Zimbabweans living in South Africa.
Under the ZEP, approximately 178,000 Zimbabwean nationals who arrived in South Africa before 2009 could apply for a permit, allowing them to reside and work legally in the country.
Initially valid for four years, the ZEP has been extended, with the new permits now valid until 29 November 2025.
However, holders of the ZEP are not eligible for permanent residence status, and the permits are not renewable.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe is talking to South Africa about citizens who may have to leave after their permits end. 7,000 Zimbabweans were sent back in 2022/2023. South Africa is deporting many undocumented immigrants. The two countries are discussing what to do. South Africa's ZEP permit was to help Zimbabweans, but it is ending soon. The permits are not renewable. Talks are happening, but it's not easy. The two governments are working on it.

Zimbabwe Engages South Africa Over Looming Deportations After ZEP Permit Expiry

South Africa’s current Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has announced a new technical directive intended to expedite the work permit application process for Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders.
In 2022, the then-Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, introduced a waiver allowing ZEP holders to apply for mainstream work visas without first securing certifications from the Department of Labour and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
This waiver was aimed at facilitating a smoother transition for ZEP holders as the exemption programme was set to be phased out.
However, Schreiber has acknowledged that the waiver for the SAQA certificate requirement was mistakenly omitted from the notifications sent to ZEP holders at the time.
To rectify this, the necessary amendment was officially published last Wednesday. Said Schreiber:
<blockquote>
This defeated the purpose of the waiver, as it created a bottleneck with home affairs officials unsure of how to process the applications.
A legal opinion further confirmed that this oversight needed to be corrected through a technical amendment issued via a circular.
Thanks to this correction, we hope to speed up the process of migrating away from the ZEP towards mainstream work visas for applicants who contribute to the economy and qualify in terms of the law.
It should be noted that the waiver only enables ZEP holders to submit applications more speedily and does not influence the subsequent outcome of any application.
All relevant criteria must still be met for a specific application to be successful.
</blockquote>
Schreiber also said the substantial backlog of visa applications, which stood at 306,000 at the end of May.
To address this, the department’s “backlog team” is now working in two daily shifts to mitigate the delays.
Currently, about 178,000 ZEP holders, who are authorised to live and work in South Africa, face a looming deadline as their permits are set to expire by 2025.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The South African Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, made changes to make it quicker for ZEP holders to get work permits. There was a mistake in the process before, so a new rule was added to fix it. This change only helps speed up the application process, but the applicants still need to meet all the requirements. There is a big backlog of visa applications that they are trying to address. Around 178,000 ZEP holders need to renew their permits by 2025. The goal is to make the transition to mainstream work visas easier for those who qualify.

SA Home Affairs Minister Announces Changes To Expedite Work Permits For ZEP Holders

South Africa’s newly-appointed Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber is not yet committing to a position on the future of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) which is set to expire in 2025.
The Constitutional Court on June 18, 2024, dismissed former Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s bid to appeal the Gauteng High Court ruling that invalidated the decision to terminate the ZEP.
The appointment of the Democratic Alliance (DA) MP as Home Affairs Minister has given ZEP holders hope that he will make it easier for them to obtain permanent residency.
Hellen Zille, Chairperson of the Federal Council of the DA, speaking ahead of South Africa’s May 29, 2024 general elections, said that Zimbabwean nationals are industrious contributors to the local economy and should be afforded opportunities to regularise their ZEPs.
However, according to <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/schreiber-not-committing-to-position-on-future-of-zep-permit/">SABC News</a>, Schreiber said any decision on ZEPs must be preceded by a rational and constitutionally fair process. He said:
<blockquote>
It is broader than just one permit because this is going to affect how you are going to handle immigration issues, actually, across the board. And so, we are going to have to take some time, not rush into anything, because I think that is one of the issues that we saw in those court rulings – that we need to go and consider, really, that we are acting rationally within the rule of law before we make any of those decisions. So, there will be a lot of focus on getting it right.
</blockquote>
ZEP was introduced by the South African Department of Home Affairs to regularize the status of undocumented Zimbabweans living in South Africa.
Under the ZEP, approximately 178,000 Zimbabwean nationals who arrived in South Africa before 2009 could apply for a permit, allowing them to reside and work legally in the country.
Initially valid for four years, the ZEP has been extended, with the new permits now valid until 29 November 2025.
However, holders of the ZEP are not eligible for permanent residence status, and the permits are not renewable.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa's Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, Not Committing To Position On Future Of ZEP Permit

In his first action as a member of South Africa’s National Executive, newly-appointed Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has extended a temporary visa concession to protect skilled workers, tourists, and other applicants affected by delays in visa processing at the Department.
Schreiber announced the decision in a statement released on Thursday, July 4, 2024, citing the expiration of the previous concession on June 30, which had left applicants vulnerable to unintended consequences, including potential classification as “undesirable” through no fault of their own.
The Minister explained that without this extension, international tourists and workers contributing to South Africa’s economy could face penalties if their documentation expired while awaiting Home Affairs decisions.
He argued that such penalties would not only be unjust and illogical but could also deter investment, tourism, and skills development in the country.
The extended concession will remain in effect until December 31, 2024, with Schreiber underscoring the urgent need for the department to expedite the clearance of the visa processing backlog. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
New Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber extends temporary visa concession to safeguard applicants from adverse consequences caused by processing delays
In his first official act as the new Minister of Home Affairs just one day after being sworn in, Dr Leon Schreiber has extended the temporary concession for foreign nationals who are currently awaiting the outcome of visa, waiver and appeal applications.
This extension safeguards applicants – including those who are contributing to South Africa through their scarce skills from suffering adverse consequences or being erroneously declared undesirable while they await the outcome of applications submitted to the Department.
The processing of some of these applications has been delayed as the Department works on reducing backlogs.
While the Department has made progress in this regard since its previous communication on the matter, there is still a backlog in various visa and permit categories and Minister Schreiber has now moved to protect applicants while the backlog is reduced.
The decision to avert adverse consequences for applicants who seek to obtain lawful visas in order to contribute to South Africa, either through their skills or as tourists, signals the Minister’s commitment to improving the visa system to make South Africa a more attractive destination for international investment, tourism and job creation.
While it will take time to achieve this vision in full, the decision to extend the temporary concession serves as a signal of intent to reinvigorate the Department of Home Affairs and position it as a vital economic enabler.
In order to build confidence in this new approach, Minister Schreiber further commits to avoiding a repeat of the current situation that has seen the previous concession expire prior to the extension being announced.
While the Department is committed to eradicating the backlog as soon as possible, the Minister undertakes that any further extension, modification or amendment to the terms of these concessions will be communicated in writing prior to the new expiry date of 31 December 2024.
The following temporary measures will apply with immediate effect.
<h2>Applicants whose waiver application outcomes are still pending:</h2>
Visa holders who have applied for a waiver and the waiver application is still pending as at 30 June 2024, are granted a further temporary extension until 31 December 2024 to enable the Department to process the applications, for applicants to collect their outcomes, and to submit applications for appropriate visas.
Those who wish to abandon their waiver applications and depart from South Africa, will be allowed to exit at a port of entry before or on 31 December 2024 without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, 2002 read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations, 2014.
Visa holders who need to travel, but are awaiting the outcome of a waiver application, will be allowed to exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 31 December 2024, without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, 2002 read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations, 2014.
However, non-visa-exempt applicants who travel out of the country with a waiver application receipt are required to apply for a port of entry visa which would allow them re-entry into South Africa.
<h2>Applicants whose visa applications are still pending:</h2>
Visa holders who have applied for long-term visas (Visitor’s Visas in terms of section 11(1)(b) and 11(6) of the Immigration Act, 2002; Business Visas, Study Visas, Relative’s Visas and Work Visas) and whose application is still pending as at 30 June 2024, are granted a further temporary extension until 31 December 2024 of their current visa status.
Applicants are not allowed to engage in any activity other than what the visa conditions provide for.
Those who wish to abandon their visa applications will be allowed to exit at a port of entry before or on 31 December 2024 without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, 2002 read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations, 2014.
Visa holders who need to travel, but are awaiting the outcome of a long-term visa application, will be allowed to exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 31 December 2024, without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, 2002 read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations, 2014.
However, non-visa-exempt applicants who travel out of the country with a long-term visa application receipt, are required to apply for a port of entry visa which would allow them re-entry into South Africa.
<h2>Applicants whose visa appeal applications are still pending:</h2>
Visa holders who have appealed a negative decision on an application for a long-term visa (Visitor’s Visas in terms of section 11(1)(b) and 11(6) of the Immigration Act, 2002; Business Visas, Study Visas, Relative’s Visas and Work Visas) are granted a temporary extension until 31 December 2024 of the current visa status.
Applicants are not allowed to engage in any activity other than what the visa conditions provide for.
Those who wish to abandon their visa appeal applications and depart from South Africa will be allowed to exit at a port of entry before or on 31 December 2024 without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, 2002 read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations, 2014.
Visa appeal applicants who need to travel, but are awaiting the outcome of an appeal application for a long-term visa, will be allowed to exit and re-enter at a port of entry up to and including 31 December 2024, without being declared undesirable in terms of section 30(1)(h) of the Immigration Act, 2002 read with regulation 27(3) of the Immigration Regulations, 2014.
All appeal applicants are required to produce a copy of the rejection letter with a receipt for the appeal application on departure and re-entry into South Africa.
Non-visa-exempt appeal applicants who travel out of the country with an appeal application receipt, are required to apply for a port of entry visa which would allow them re-entry into South Africa.
<h2>Short-term visa holders issued in terms of section 11(1)(a)</h2>
Short-term visa holders issued in terms of section 11(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 for 90 days or less, who have applied for a renewal, but have not received their visa renewal outcome, must make the necessary arrangements to depart from South Africa within 90 calendar days from the date of expiry of the principal visa, to avoid being declared undesirable.
The latter concession is in line with the provisions of section 11(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 which limits the duration of sojourn for visiting purposes to a total of 180 days.
The temporary concession applies only to foreign nationals who have been legally admitted into South Africa.
This concession is also only applicable to applicants who have submitted their applications via VFS Global and who can produce a verifiable receipt for such applications against the VFS Global tracking system.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

New South African Home Affairs Minister Extends Temporary Visa Concession

South Africa’s new Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has refuted false reports claiming he was born in Zimbabwe.
After President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Schreiber to the Cabinet on Sunday night, screenshots circulating on social media platforms purportedly showed a Wikipedia citation stating that the Democratic Alliance (DA) MP was born in Zimbabwe.
eNCA reporter Pule Letshwiti-Jones cautioned the public about the reliability of Wikipedia, saying that anyone can edit the online encyclopedia. He posted on X:
<blockquote>
Newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber is not from Zimbabwe. Schreiber was born in the Northern Cape. Verifying information won’t hurt anyone.
</blockquote>
Schreiber confirmed that he was born and raised in South Africa. He posted on X:
<blockquote>
Drew my first breath at Radie Kotze clinic in Piketberg [Western Cape]. Grew up in Kleinzee in Namaqualand [Northern Cape], followed by studies in Stellenbosch, Berlin and Princeton.
And until my last breath, I will fight for the country I love against liars and looters.
</blockquote>
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<div class="relative p-1 rounded-sm flex items-center justify-center bg-token-main-surface-primary text-token-text-primary h-6 w-6">Schreiber, aged 35, holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a PhD in political science.</div>
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He graduated from Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch in 2006, a renowned school noted for producing Springbok players.
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As reported by <a href="https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2024-07-02-work-visas-high-on-new-home-affairs-ministers-agenda/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BusinessLive</a>, Schreiber said that addressing the backlog of working visas is high on the agenda. He said:
<blockquote>
We absolutely have to look at visa processes, we have to take the visa issue very seriously, as this is an economic catalyst for SA.
We need to have a process whereby people who want to contribute skills or capital to SA are actually able to do that.
</blockquote>
It is a well-established fact that many individuals of Zimbabwean heritage have held prominent positions in the public and private sectors across countries like South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
However, the current youthful Home Affairs Minister of South Africa is not one of them.
While Zimbabwean-born professionals have often excelled in various leadership roles internationally, the South African Home Affairs Minister in question does not share this Zimbabwean background. 
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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