By Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| South Africa, facing probably the worst economic woes in living memory, is unlikely to renew the working permits for many Zimbabweans working in that country, paving way for mass deportations it has emerged.
Reports say the African National Congress (ANC) is mooting plans to resume mass deportations of Zimbabweans as soon as the work permits issued under the Zimbabwe South Africa Permit dispensation expire.
The development has shaken many Zimbabweans working in South Africa since it is likely to trigger mass deportations and job losses.
Zimbabweans in the neighbouring nation say they are not prepared to face the dire economic situation caused by President Robert Mugabe’s administration.
A representative of the Zimbabwe Community Trust in South Africa (ZCTSA),Nkosilathi Mlilo-Dube said with the giant Southern African facing its worst economic spell in living memory,the country was likely to be less accommodative to Zimbabweans at the expiry of the Zimbabwe South Africa Permit dispensation. The permit dispensation period for many Zimbabweans will lapse between this year and next year, it has emerged.
“With South Africa facing its worst economic woes, it is likely that the government will seek to reduce pressure on its social services through deportation of migrants from neighbouring countries and Zimbabweans are likely to be grossly affected by the process,” said Mlilo Dube.
Zimbabweans in South Africa believe the move is aimed at forcing them to leave that country to go and vote in the 2018 elections.
At least 2 million people are said to be working in South Africa after being forced to leave Zimbabwe due to socio-economic challenges and political persecution.