Fact Check: Has South Africa extended Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) to 2025?

Claim: South African Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi has granted exemptions to about 178,000 Zimbabweans to stay in the country for a further two years to 2025 under the special permits, according to multiple media reports.

ZEP was introduced in 2009 by then Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as a temporary measure to an influx of mostly economic refugees from neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Source: Various main stream media

Is this true or false?

Verdict: True

South Africa’s government announced the extension of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), some of which were due to expire at the end of the month and June next year in terms of section 31 (2) (b) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The Home Affairs Minister said the ZEP permits would expire on November 29, 2025.

To whom does the extension apply?

Holders of exemption permits due to expire on 31 December 2023, or June 2024, and such extended period of validity will be entitled to apply for a new exemption permit.

What are the terms and conditions for holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits?

To work, seek employment and conduct business in South Africa.
Stay in South Africa during the validity of the exemption permit and will be issued with Exemption permits that will expire on November 29, 2025.
Not entitled to apply for permanent residence in line with sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 and related provisions in any other law, irrespective of the period of stay in the neighbouring country.
Freedom of movement between Zimbabwe and South Africa or any other country.
Cannot change his or her status in South Africa as contemplated in section 10 (6) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 during the validity of the permit issued.
Disclose and/or register all the minor children born and staying in South Africa.

Conclusion

The claim is true, as announced in a press conference by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister. The Zimbabwe Exemption Permits will be extended by a further two years until November 2025. There are an estimated 180,000 ZEP holders in South Africa.