Embassy steps up moves to issue passports

This follows the lifting of a special dispensation for Zimbabweans by South African authorities at the beginning of this month.
The special dispensation implemented in April last year allowed Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa the right to live, work, attend education facilities and access basic healthcare for a period of six months.
The special dispensation will come to an end on 31 December.
In a statement, Ambassador Moyo assured all Zimbabweans resident in South Africa that the two governments were working together to make the exercise successful.
“It is the embassy’s hope that it will have issued, through its consulate in Johannesburg, passports before the expiry on 31 December 2010, of the amnesty given in good faith by the government of South Africa and agreed to by the Government of Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Moyo.
“In this spirit, the embassy urges all organisations, whether civil or political, to refrain from issuing statements that may not reflect the correct agreement between the two countries, which statements may lead to unnecessary confusion.”
Ambassador Moyo said the two governments would, through proper procedures, handle any unforeseen difficulties in the exercise.
“We shall do everything to minimise inconvenience to any bona fide Zimbabwean,” said Ambassador Moyo.
Meanwhile, the Zanu-PF South Africa branch yesterday welcomed the need to deport Zimbabweans without proper documentation, saying it was a move in the right direction for all parties.
In a statement, Zanu-PF Johannesburg district co-ordinating committee secretary for information and publicity, Cde Kennedy Mandaza, said Zimbabweans resident in South Africa have been given enough time to acquire relevant papers before 31 December.
He said the calls to have valid documents had nothing to do with the situation in Zimbabwe.
“As a Zimbabwean, I feel this is now the most opportune time for us to regularise our stay in South Africa. Both governments have committed themselves to ensuring that no one legally in the borders of South Africa can be deported as long as he or she plays by the book,” said Cde Mandaza.
He said the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Consulate in Johannesburg and the Embassy in Pretoria, had already started processing travel documents for those who do not have them.
“Efforts are underway for the Registrar General to bring personnel to assist in the speedy processing of documents and help those without birth certificates and identity cards to apply for them. This is quite noble because it will ensure that travelling becomes easy,” said Cde Mandaza.
He dismissed as a myth the fear that acquiring proper documents would expose people saying the South African government, through its 46 Home Affairs offices, had, as from Monday, deployed manpower to facilitate proper documentation of Zimbabweans and other nationalities.
Cde Mandaza expressed hope that the Zimbabweans would use the period to regularise their stay in South Africa.
“An opportunity has been given to people to verify the authenticity of their current documents so that in future one is not found with a fraudulently acquired document,” he said.
“What more do we want as Zimbabweans? Let us embrace this opportunity and ensure that we live in the country freely without fear of ‘harassment’ by the law enforcement agents.”
Cde Mandaza said Zimbabweans in need of assistance or clarification can contact the Zanu-PF offices at 111 Kerk Street, Mcubelsentrum Building, Room 410, in Johannesburg.

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