Help us escape our SA hell

Zimbabwean government urged to urgently bring home its abused citizens

- Ciaran Ryan

Please bring Zimbabweans home. Life in South Africa is hell."

This is the message the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association (Zepha) has sent to the Zimbabwean government asking for help in expediting an urgent programme of voluntary return in light of the increasingly intolerable conditions for many living in SA.

"Zimbabweans are now forced to litigate when they go to the hospital, schools, universities, travel on the roads and at the workplace," says a memo sent by Zepha to the Zimbabwean ambassador to SA.

Zepha has already launched a repatriation programme, but would like the Zimbabwean government's help in assisting with the relocation of thousands of Zimbabwe exemption permit (ZEP) holders in finding accommodation and business opportunities, and to assist in lowering regulatory barriers to smooth their return.

"Many South Africans believe that Zimbabweans are hapless Zanu-PF victims, useful only for their highly sought-after cheap, efficient and trustworthy labour," reads the memo.

"Their assistance for Zimbabwean staff extends only to prolonging exploitation, but not to provide them with the rights required to live full and dignified lives. They have no interest in the stability of Zimbabweans in South Africa and the generations that will follow."