Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-02-23 09:48:25
The Home Affairs Minister of South Africa, Aaron Motsoaledi, has experienced a setback in his attempt to appeal a judgment made by the High Court Pretoria. The court had declared his decision to terminate the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) in December 2021 invalid, and had issued an interim interdict that prevented the government from detaining or deporting any holder of the permit.
Motsoaledi sought to appeal these judgments at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein in November of last year, arguing that they had set a dangerous precedent. However, the SCA has rejected his application for leave to appeal, and he has lost with costs. The appellate court found that there was no reasonable prospect of success in an appeal. This marks a major reprieve for Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa and holding the ZEP.
The decision by the SCA comes as a relief to many Zimbabweans who were facing uncertainty and fear of being detained or deported after the government’s initial decision to terminate the ZEP. The ZEP was initially introduced in 2017 as a special dispensation for Zimbabweans in South Africa to regularize their stay in the country. It allowed holders to legally live, work, and study in South Africa for a specified period of time.
The recent judgment by the SCA has provided clarity and security for those who hold the ZEP, as it prevents the government from taking any action against them for the time being. This has been welcomed by the Zimbabwean community in South Africa, as it allows them to continue with their lives without the fear of being detained or deported.
The ruling by the SCA has also been seen as a victory for the rule of law and the protection of the rights of foreign nationals in South Africa. It reaffirms the principle of legal certainty and upholds the rights of individuals who are lawfully residing in the country. It also sends a strong message to the Home Affairs Ministry to act in accordance with the law and uphold the rights of all individuals living in South Africa, regardless of their nationality.
This development has been widely reported by news outlets, including SABC News, and has received attention on social media platforms. The relief and security provided by the SCA’s decision has been acknowledged and celebrated by the Zimbabwean community in South Africa, as well as by advocates for the rights of foreign nationals in the country.
Overall, the decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal to reject the appeal by Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has provided a major reprieve for Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa. It has reaffirmed the rights of individuals holding the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit and has provided legal certainty and security for their continued stay in the country. This development underscores the importance of upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality, and sets an important precedent for the protection of the rights of foreign nationals in South Africa.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
