Johannesburg – The Department of Home Affairs has moved to quell widespread confusion sparked by a recent television interview with Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza regarding the status of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP).
The interview, aired on Newzroom Afrika, discussed the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, which inadvertently led to speculation that the status of ZEP holders had changed.
A media report following the interview suggested that ZEP permit holders in South Africa had been given a new pathway to permanent residence following the apparent reversal of a government policy.
The report said Deputy Home Affairs Minister Nzuza confirmed that holders of ZEP permits could now apply for permanent residence through existing immigration channels.
However, in a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, the Department of Home Affairs stated that there has been “no change” in policy.
“Consistent with the conditions of their permits, the holders of ZEP do not qualify for permanent residence permits,” the statement said.
The department said it was 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 the Cabinet, the department released a public statement announcing the decision to terminate the ZEP programme.
Following the legal challenge by the Helen Suzman Foundation, the court mandated that the Department conduct a process compliant with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) of 2000.
The department stated that it was fully committed to the court order.
“Consultation with government stakeholders was concluded yesterday in Tshwane,” the department said.
“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 said it 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,” stated the department.
