Zimbabwean Dispensation, Special and Exemption Permits in South Africa: On Humanitarian Logic, Depoliticisation and Invisibilisation of Migrants

Abstract

Cross-border migration from Zimbabwe to South Africa has existed for a long time. Given this context, the governance of migrants, especially the undocumented Zimbabweans by South Africa, has come to the fore. Starting in 2009, South Africa granted undocumented Zimbabwean migrants Zimbabwean Dispensation Permits, which were replaced by Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permits in 2014. In turn, the Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permits were replaced by Zimbabwean Exemption Permits in September 2017. Although these are steps in the right direction, the changes in the conditions of these permits demonstrates humanitarian logic, which depoliticises and excludes the affected migrants.

“It’s a Big Umbrella”

“…In the next section, I discuss the two dominant frames on refugee problematization, both in the media and scholarly discourse. I argue that ZEP migrants are in a state of perpetual impermanency as they are not guaranteed that their permits will be renewed upon expiry, a humanitarian logic or reason (Moyo 2018) that ensures that "unwanted" and "unwelcome" migrants leave SA and go back to their home countries. Next, I outline the study methodology followed by a presentation of the empirical data.…”

Feminisation of Migration

“…It cannot be understated that post-2007, there have been observable efforts to address issues of Zimbabwean women migrants in South Africa (Chimbidzikai 2021;Moyo 2018). For example, business activities such as Mukuru, Paisa, and Malaicha.com, among others, were formed to facilitate easy and safe remittances that include women's activities (Crush et al 2018).…”

“…For example, business activities such as Mukuru, Paisa, and Malaicha.com, among others, were formed to facilitate easy and safe remittances that include women's activities (Crush et al 2018). In addition to remittance, South African Home Affairs introduced the 90-day visa, as well as the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP) that most male and female migrants benefit from for staying legally (Chimbidzikai 2021;Moyo 2018). On these grounds, how arguable is the current feminine migration policy?…”

Diasporean 1 Southern African Perspectives

“…It cannot be understated that post-2007, there have been observable efforts to address issues of Zimbabwean women migrants in South Africa (Chimbidzikai 2021;Moyo 2018). For example, business activities such as Mukuru, Paisa, and Malaicha.com, among others, were formed to facilitate easy and safe remittances that include women's activities (Crush et al 2018).…”