ZEP permit case hearing postponed to April 2023

Zim Now Writer

The case in which the Helen Suzman Foundation’s (HSF’s) is challenging South African Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to terminate the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP), which had been set down for Monday, will now be heard in April.

A three-bench panel of judges, the director of the foundation Nicole Fritz said, are due to hear the matter when it resumes.

“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,” said Fritz.

The ZEP expires on June 30.

The HSF wants the Pretoria High Court to declare Motsoaldedi’s decision to terminate the ZEP — and the limited extension he gave the permit — as unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid.

Motsoaledi is opposing the application.

Zimbabwe Immigration Federation chairperson Luke Dzviti said the postponement was not an issue since the case will be heard before ZEP holders become illegal immigrants. “For now, it’s not a train smash. I am not really disappointed because we still have a grace period. It’s fine as long as it happens before Zimbabwean nationals who are ZEP holders become illegal immigrants,” Dzviti said.

He added that the directive says no-one can be arrested or deported.

The position of the HSF is that those who observed South Africa’s laws in order to live and work here, under the ZEP, cannot have such permits terminated without fair process, good reason and a meaningful opportunity to regularise their status.