Permit extension for Zimbabweans splits South Africans
Suspected undocumented Zimbabwean nationals are directed into a vehicle after attempting to illegally cross the border with South Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said Zimbabwean economic refugees escaping poverty at home are straining southern African countries.
South Africa’s latest decision to extend the lifespan of special permits for 178,000 Zimbabweans by over a year has divided opinion in a country grappling with rising anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobia.
Several political parties and movements have emerged in recent years to oppose the influx of foreign nationals into southern Africa’s largest economy, blaming them for high unemployment and increasing crime rates.
