Booking problems for ZSP applicants

JOHANNESBURG - Zimbabweans have continued to encounter technical problems as they try to renew their special dispensation permits in South Africa.

While the problem of slow internet they encountered in the first two weeks were recently addressed, applicants told The Zimbabwean early this week that they were finding it difficult to book for appointments via a number they were given.

After they successfully fill an online application form, applicants are required to call a Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS) number to book a date for a physical appointment, but that has so far proved to be both time-consuming and costly.

"I have tried to call for three weeks, but have failed so far," said Seluleko Ndlovu, one of the applicants.

"I think I have lost more than R300 trying to get through to the line, but all in vain. In the only occasion that I did get through, the line cut while I was still talking to the receptionist."

Kesydon Ncube, whose non-governmental organisation - Africa Relief Initiatives, is helping applicants, confirmed that there were such problems.

"We have met a number of such complaints where people would have vainly spent a lot of money trying to book for interviews," said Ncube.

"The main problem is that there is only one line that should serve thousands of applicants at the same time and that has led to congestion. The same number is being used to serve those that will be making inquiries and that increases the volume of traffic going there. So far, one needs to be very lucky to be able to book using a mobile phone because this is not a toll-free number we are talking about."

To try and assist, ARI, who have been filling online forms for their clients; have extended their services to even booking appointments for them.

"We book for close to 50 people everyday because we are doing it from an office and can make bulk bookings at just one call."

ARI offices are inside Maphalala Square, which is at corner Fife and Abel Streets in Berea, while their officers can be contacted on +27 73 821 4341, +27 61 042 0900 and +071 973 1978.