South Africa’s (SA) Department of Home Affairs has clarified that holders of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) are not eligible to automatically apply for permanent residency and must remain on their current permits, which are valid until May 29, 2027.
The department’s clarification follows reports suggesting that Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza had indicated ZEP holders could now apply for permanent residency, signalling a possible shift in government policy.
Home Affairs has moved to correct that interpretation, maintaining that no such automatic pathway has been introduced.
Human rights lawyer Advocate Simba Chitando, who represents the ZEP Holders Association, says the issue continues to raise uncertainty for affected communities as they await a long-term resolution on their status.
–ChannelAfrica–
