Immigration
Zimbabweans report glitches in permit system
Zimbabweans were promised in August by the Department of Home Affairs that they could apply for the Zimbabwean Special Permit (ZSP) from October 1, 2014, but many have been unable to.
Thembela Ntongana
News | 8 October 2014
Court victory for asylum seekers
Somali and Ethiopian asylum seekers and refugees have scored a longed-for victory against official xenophobia – the Supreme Court of Appeal has thrown out key elements of ‘Operation Hardstick’.
Carmel Rickard
News | 6 October 2014
The week in activism
This week we look at Sonke’s call on government to support an important medical trial and the court ruling in the Limpopo foreign traders’ case brought by Lawyers for Human Rights.
Thembela Ntongana
News | 2 October 2014
New immigration laws here to stay - minister
On Tuesday at a media briefing in Cape Town on the implementation of the new immigration regulations, Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba announced that the regulations will stay despite them having created much anxiety.
Tariro Washinyira and Thembela Ntongana
News | 16 September 2014
18 years documentation struggle with Home Affairs
After 18 years of legal struggles, Mathijs van Hillegondsberg will meet the Department of Home Affairs in the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday. Van Hillegondsberg claims that he and his family have been victims of maladministration and abuse of power.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 9 September 2014
Police clearance is needed for Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit says Home Affairs
Following the Minister of Home Affairs remarks on 12 August 2014 that a clear criminal record was a condition to qualify for the Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit, the Zimbabwe Community South Africa (ZCSA) said they have noted people flocking to police stations for police clearance. The ZCSA told GroundUp that in fact there was no need for anyone to get police clearance. Subsequent to GroundUp quoting ZCSA yesterday, Home Affairs has confirmed that a certificate is needed. GroundUp deeply regrets adding to the confusion.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 3 September 2014
Zimbabweans form local study group
Zimbabwean teachers and students sometimes find it hard to integrate to South African schools. Established in January 2014, Par excellence is a study group with teachers and 20 Zimbabwean students located in Salt River. They are mainly high school repeaters and a few primary school children whose parents could not get places for them in major South African schools.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 2 September 2014
SAPS told to treat foreigners with respect
The SA Police Service must “take urgent steps” to eradicate discriminatory behaviour towards foreigners and gay people, the Commission of Inquiry into policing in Khayelitsha has said.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 26 August 2014
Confusion over Zimbabwe Special Dispensation Permit
Some holders of Zimbabwe Dispensation Permits that expire in 2015 do not understand that all permits are expiring on 31 December 2014, and that they too need to make an online application by 1 October 2014 for the new Zimbabwe Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP).
Tariro Washinyira
News | 22 August 2014