This after the SA National Defence Force intercepted and apprehended over 1 100 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals attempting to enter the country the day after Christmas. The Federation says many of the Zimbabweans who enter the country illegally, are economic refugees looking to make a living. Founder and First Chairperson of the Federation, Luke Dzivit has placed the blame on the government of Zimbabwe.

“The Zimbabwean government, which is a ZANU PF-led government, is currently not doing enough to stop all this because firstly, the passport price has been so high in Zimbabwe. This is why you see many people coming illegally. The passport price in Zimbabwe was $260, compared to $30 which South Africans pay. So, it’s ten times the price of a passport in SA and compared to other prices in all other SADC countries but lately, the government reduced the price by about 33%, but still, it’s not affordable,” he said.