MIWUSA worried over Zimbabwe Special Permit issuing in SA

The Migrant Workers Union in South Africa an organisation representing migrants from various countries in that country has expressed concerns over the manner in which the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP) are issued.

Mandla Masuku, General Secretary of the organisation said they are getting worried with how things are unfolding regarding the ZSP process.

"For all along we were under the impression that all things are well, no need for anyone to panic or press panic buttons," said Masuku.

"The number of applicants being rejected is worrisome and disturbing."

He said the most unfortunate thing is that majority of the rejection claims are baseless .

"Secondly we have had conflicting statements on those with ZSP rejection letters, the govt's official position is that, if rejected, someone cannot appeal and the applicant is given 10 days to volunteer to leave the country," he said.

"We also hear stories that applicants will be afforded an opportunity to appeal, though we are yet to verify the legitimacy of that statement. We are also reliably told that officials are referring the affected applicants to go appeal at Revonia in Johannesburg."

He said with these conflicting reports, their people are being adversely affected.

"Some are reacting wrongly, while others are totally confused and clueless on the way forward," said Masuku.

"Our organisation has been inundated with inquiries from all corners of the country. Our standing position as Migrant workers Union of South Africa' MIWUSA' is that All those whose permits have been unfairly rejected should not panic, they should wait for official announcement on the matter."

Masuku said they will liaise with the relevant department to establish the correct position.

"In a few days time, we will issue a formal statement on the matter. As Migrant Union, we can not fold our hands, whilst the rights of migrants are being infringed upon. We are ready to use everything at our disposal to defend your rights. As a UNION we are aware that the ZSP debacle is not an isolated case, we have many migrants who have not been given any joy or proper service by DHA and other govt department."

"We are not only fighting the ZSP issues but we attend to problems of migrants in South Africa holistically."

He said MIWUSA is calling all Migrants in South Africa to come aboard and join the Union .

"At the moment we are accepting members for free until such a time when we launch our Union to the public. As MIWUSA we also call all the Migrants encountering problems in South Africa to approach us," said Masuku.