Zimbabwe exemption permit case to be heard in April
The Helen Suzman Foundation’s (HSF) challenge against Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to terminate the Zimbabwe exemption permit (ZEP) will reportedly be heard in April 2023, two months before they expire.
The Citizen reports HSF director Nicole Fritz yesterday said a three-Bench panel of judges would hear the matter.
‘We are disappointed that hearing dates could not be secured earlier in that we are anxious to have the matter heard by the courts and for a just resolution to be determined,’ Fritz is quoted as saying.
In its court case, the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association, HSF, Zimbabwean Immigration Federation and Zimbabwean Diaspora Association NPC are seeking to overturn government’s decision not to renew the permit.
Motsoaledi, Home Affairs DG, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cabinet – the respondents – are opposing the case.
ZEP Holders Association also wants Zimbabweans to be declared permanent SA residents.
Cabinet announced last November that the ZEP would not be extended again, with Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele announcing at the time that ZEP holders had until 31 December 2022 to apply for a visa to continue living in SA, return to Zimbabwe, or be deported.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
