HARARE - Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party has welcomed the extension of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits for thousands of its nationals in South Africa.
But a leading political analyst has slammed the party’s celebration as embarrassing.
This week, the South African government extended Zimbabwe Exemption Permits by 18 months, allowing over 180,000 Zimbabweans working and living in the country to stay longer.
Zanu-PF’s Director of Information, Farai Marapira, welcomed the move, saying it demonstrates the South African government’s genuine concern for the welfare of Zimbabweans.
Marapira said, "We share a deep history with our South African brothers and sisters. We don't consider South Africa as friends, we consider them as our brothers and sisters because of our shared common history, which has seen us to this day."
"As per the issue of permits, we welcome anything that benefits our people; we welcome anything that benefits our citizens. So as for the reasons why this has been done, I cannot speak on behalf of the South African government. But we welcome this decision because it is a decision that benefits our people, and we are very grateful as a party."
However, one political analyst says there’s little for Zanu-PF to celebrate when Zimbabweans are relying on neighbouring countries for support.
Rejoice Ngwenya said, "The practice is that we know Zimbabweans are in South Africa because there is not enough work to do at home."
"So it is the responsibility of the Zimbabwean government to create conditions that are conducive for citizens to be employed in Zimbabwe. So when permits are extended, it's not cause for celebration."
"You cannot celebrate that your children are employed outside the country. Instead of celebrating the government should be introspecting about how best our brothers and sisters in South Africa come back home and deploy their skills."
An estimated one million Zimbabweans are believed to be living and working in South Africa.