Some 197941 Zimbabweans holding the Zimbabwe Special Permits (ZPS) issued by South Africa under a special dispensation in 2014 have been allowed to continue working, studying and doing business in South Africa under the new exemption permits dispensation.

For some time now, Zimbabweans in South Africa under the special permits have been living in uncertainty as their permits were expiring on 31 December this year.

Recognising the importance of the close neighbourly ties between the two countries and the huge role that migrant labour plays in building its economy, the South African government has agreed to extend the permits of Zimbabweans living and working in that country.

The South African Ministry of Home Affairs said the ZPS, which expire on 31 December 2017 will be replaced by the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit dispensation, which entitles the holder to study, work and/or conduct business if that person is an entrepreneur in South Africa.

Announcing the new position in Harare today, South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Mphakame Mbete said only those Zimbabweans who currently possess the special permits of 2014 to December 2017 are eligible to apply for the Zimbabwe exemption permits.

He explained that applications for the new Zimbabwe exemption permits start on the 15th of this month September 2017 on website www.vfglobal.com/zep/south africa/com.

The Zimbabwe exemption permit dispensation is for a period of four years and the cut off date for application is November 30, with an administrative fee of 1090 rand to be paid for the application.

From October, the applicants will be allocated appointments to submit fingerprints and supporting documents physically at the visa facilitation offices in Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Rustenburg, Kimberly, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Bloemfontein and George.

The South African Minister of Home Affairs, Hlengiwe Mkhize said the Zimbabwe exemption permit is a demonstration of her country's belief in the role played by migrants in South Africa's economic growth and enriching social and cultural life.

Zimbabwe has been an important source of labour for South African mines and farms since colonial times, commonly referred to as 'Wenera.'