No U-turn on SA permits deadline

South Africa is unlikely to extend the deadline for submitting Zimbabwe Special Permits applications for over 40 000 people who missed the December 31 deadline, Zimbabwe's ambassador to South Africa Isaac Moyo said yesterday.

This comes as South Africa on Tuesday started deporting Zimbabweans who have been staying in that country illegally.

In a telephone interview, Ambassador Moyo said although he was yet to meet top South African Home Affairs officials, indications were that they would not extend the deadline.

"Indications are that their decision is final and they will not extend the deadline. Our Minister of Home Affairs Kembo Mohadi made a similar request the last time he met with his South African counterpart, but they told him that the deadline would not change. So yes, I will meet them just to get a clearer picture of what's going on but I don't see them changing."

Ambassador Moyo castigated dubious organisations purporting to represent Zimbabweans in South Africa, saying their actions complicated diplomatic efforts by the embassy.

At least 40 000 Zimbabweans who missed the deadline to apply for the Zimbabwe Special Permits risk deportation if the South African government does not change its mind.

It approved the new permit on August 6 last year following engagements with Zimbabwe's Minister of Home Affairs.

Its Department of Home Affairs started processing online applications on October 1 and stopped on December 31 last year.