The Department of Home Affairs has clarified that there has been no change in policy regarding the status of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders, following confusion arising from a recent interview with Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza on Newzroom Afrika.
The Department stated that current permits will remain valid until May 29, 2027, as per an extension granted by the Minister in June 2025. This extension was a relief to thousands of Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa, who were facing uncertainty about their future in the country.
ZEP Holders and Permanent Residence
ZEP holders do not qualify for permanent residence permits in line with permit conditions, the Department said. This has been a point of contention for many ZEP holders, who have been living and working in South Africa for many years.
The Department of Home Affairs is currently conducting a public consultation process on the future of both the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP). This process is essential to ensure a fair, transparent, and legally sound outcome, according to the Department.
Public Consultations
The consultations follow a court ruling after the Helen Suzman Foundation challenged the termination of the ZEP programme, which required compliance with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act. The Department is fully committed to the court order and is working to ensure that the consultation process is thorough and inclusive.
Stakeholder consultations were concluded in Tshwane, and a detailed report with clear recommendations will be presented to Cabinet by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. The Department remains committed to finding a “sustainable and fair solution” for permit holders and urged against misinformation that could cause unnecessary anxiety among stakeholders.
Some of the key issues that will be addressed during the consultation process include:
- The future of the ZEP and LEP programmes
- The eligibility criteria for permanent residence permits
- The impact of the ZEP and LEP programmes on the South African economy and society
The Department of Home Affairs has also warned against the spread of misinformation that may cause unnecessary anxiety among citizens, permit holders, and other stakeholders. It is imperative to avoid the spread of misinformation and to rely on official sources of information, such as the Department of Home Affairs website.
