The Department of Home Affairs wishes to correct recent media misinterpretations following a television interview with Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza on Newzroom Afrika. The interview, which discussed the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, has led to confusion regarding the status of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders.

The Department wishes to state categorically that there has been no change in policy regarding the status of ZEP holders. Current permits will remain valid until 29 May 2027, as per the extension granted by the Minister in June 2025.

Consistent with the conditions of their permits, the holders of ZEP do not qualify for permanent residence permits.

The Department is currently engaged in a rigorous public consultation process regarding the future of both the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP). This process is essential to ensure that any final decision is fair, transparent, and legally sound.

In November 2021, after consulting Cabinet, the Department released a public statement announcing the decision to terminate the ZEP programme. Following the legal challenge by the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF), the court mandated that the Department conduct a process compliant with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) of 2000.  

The Department is fully committed to the court order. Consultation with government stakeholders was concluded yesterday in Tshwane. These consultations will result in a comprehensive policy position on ZEP and LEP permits. A detailed report with clear recommendations will be presented to Cabinet by the end of the 2026/27 financial year.

The Department of Home Affairs remains committed to finding a sustainable and fair solution to this long-standing matter relating to permit holders. It is imperative to avoid the spread of misinformation that may cause unnecessary anxiety among citizens, permit holders and other stakeholders.

Media Enquiries:

Thulani Mavuso – Spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs & Deputy Director-General for Operations, Cell: 082 330 1404

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS