Confusion and anxiety have gripped Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders after a televised interview sparked fears of policy changes, prompting the Department of Home Affairs to issue an urgent clarification that no changes have been made to their legal status.
This follows follows remarks made by Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza during an interview on Newzroom Afrika, where discussions around the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection were widely interpreted as signalling imminent changes to the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) programme.
In a bid to correct what it described as “misinterpretations”, the department stressed that all current Zimbabwe Exemption Permits remain valid until 29 May 2027, in line with an extension granted in June 2025.
Department spokesperson Thulani Mavuso said the spread of misinformation has created unnecessary concern among permit holders and the broader public.
“The Department wishes to state categorically that there has been no change in policy regarding the status of ZEP holders,” Mavuso said.
He added that the conditions attached to the permits remain unchanged.
“Current permits will remain valid until 29 May 2027, as per the extension granted by the Minister in June 2025.”
However, the department reiterated that ZEP holders do not qualify for permanent residence, a longstanding condition that remains in place.
The clarification comes as the department continues a public consultation process on the future of both the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP), a process officials say is aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent and legally sound outcome.
The issue has been under scrutiny since November 2021, when the government announced its intention to terminate the ZEP programme. That decision was later challenged in court by the Helen Suzman Foundation, resulting in a ruling that compelled the department to follow a lawful consultation process in line with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.
Mavuso said the department remains committed to complying fully with the court order and completing consultations before making any final decision.
“The Department is fully committed to the court order,” he said.
Consultations with government stakeholders were concluded this week in Tshwane, and are expected to inform a comprehensive policy position, with a report and recommendations set to be presented to Cabinet by the end of the 2026/27 financial year.
Mavuso urged the public and media to act responsibly while the process unfolds.
“It is imperative to avoid the spread of misinformation that may cause unnecessary anxiety among citizens, permit holders and other stakeholders.”
The Star
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