The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (Zepha) has called on the Zimbabwean government to urgently facilitate a voluntary repatriation program due to the increasingly hostile environment many of its members face in South Africa.
In a memo addressed to the Zimbabwean ambassador in South Africa, Zepha expressed concern over the growing difficulties Zimbabweans encounter in various aspects of daily life.
“Zimbabweans are now being forced to take legal action just to access hospitals, schools, universities, roads, and workplaces,” the memo stated.
The association also highlighted the psychological toll on Zimbabwean children, who are growing up feeling like second-class citizens.
This, they argue, is due to the public humiliation, mistreatment, and discrimination their parents endure, often fueled by anti-Zimbabwean sentiment that appears to have state backing.
Reports of Discrimination and Targeted Harassment
Zepha outlined specific instances of discrimination its members have faced, including:
- Authorities refusing to renew driving licenses for many Zimbabwean nationals, followed by roadblocks targeting those without valid documents.
- Increased police raids in neighborhoods with large Zimbabwean communities.
- Banks freezing or suspending accounts of ZEP holders, citing their permits as invalid.
- Workplace crackdowns leading to job losses for Zimbabweans as employers fear repercussions.
- Withheld UIF and pension fund payments for dismissed Zimbabwean workers.
- Children barred from writing exams due to the absence of study visas.
- Reports of pregnant women and other Zimbabweans being denied medical care at hospitals.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has been accused of obstructing ZEP holders from applying for permanent residency, despite many having lived, worked, and contributed to South Africa’s economy for decades.
The memo argues that this deliberate frustration of legal rights has only worsened the challenges faced by Zimbabweans in South Africa.
As conditions continue to deteriorate, Zepha is urging the Zimbabwean government to step in and assist in the safe and dignified return of its citizens who are struggling to navigate an increasingly unwelcoming environment.