ActionSA denounces extension of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits, slams government’s ‘indecision’
ActionSA has slammed Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber’s decision to extend the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) until 28 May 2027, describing it as another sign of “indecision and weakness” from the government.
In a statement, ActionSA parliamentary chief whip Lerato Ngobeni MP said the extension showed the government’s unwillingness to confront South Africa’s immigration crisis head-on.
“South Africa does not need endless extensions. We need decisive leadership, firm timelines, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law,” Ngobeni said.
She said while ActionSA supports a humane and orderly approach to immigration, “the ongoing pattern of temporary measures has eroded public confidence, undermined border integrity, and perpetuated inequality between citizens and foreign nationals”.
Ngobeni said the minister’s justification that consultations with the Immigration Advisory Board were still ongoing “offers no comfort to South Africans who have waited years for decisive action”.
“There is still no clear, time-bound plan to resolve this long-standing issue, leaving our borders porous and our immigration system in disarray,” she said.
ActionSA has called on Schreiber to publish a comprehensive transition plan with firm deadlines for the conclusion of consultations and implementation of immigration reforms. The party also urged the strengthening of the Border Management Authority and improved internal enforcement to curb illegal immigration.
Ngobeni said every further delay “deepens social tensions, weakens accountability, and tells law-abiding South Africans that their government lacks the political courage to lead”.
On Thursday, IOL reported that the Helen Suzman Foundation welcomed the extension of both the Zimbabwean and Lesotho Exemption Permits, saying it would prevent potential humanitarian harm and allow time for a more sustainable policy framework to be developed.
According to the Foundation, the extension will allow current ZEP and LEP holders to remain lawfully in South Africa while the minister conducts nationwide consultations. This follows a 2023 Pretoria High Court ruling in which HSF successfully challenged a previous decision to terminate the ZEP programme without prior notice or public consultation.
The minister’s directive clarifies that ZEP and LEP holders cannot be arrested, detained, or deported under section 34 of the Immigration Act due to an invalid exemption certificate. Holders may also freely enter or depart South Africa under immigration regulations and will not need to produce a valid exemption certificate when applying for another visa category under section 10(2) of the Act.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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