Cape Town – Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has granted 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals and 54 653 Lesotho nationals exemptions permits for an additional two years.
The permits for Lesotho nationals were set to expire on 31 December 2023, while Zimbabwean Exemption Permits had varying expiry dates of 31 December 2023 and 28 June 2024, as decided by the courts.
In October, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled against Motsoaledi’s decision to terminate the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) program, declaring it “unlawful and unconstitutional”.
The court ordered the ZEP to remain valid until June 2024 for a fair public participation process.
Motsoaledi has launched an appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Additionally, exemptions for Lesotho nationals were extended due to budgetary constraints and the recognition that most affected individuals were economic migrants.
The affected individuals can apply for new exemption permits until 29 November 2025, with specified conditions regarding work, residence, and travel.
The extension ensures continued opportunities for Zimbabwean and Lesotho nationals to study, work, and conduct business in South Africa.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
