By Cindy Witten
22 July 2008
The Black Sash human rights organization has welcomed a statement made by Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. She is considering a special dispensation for Zimbabweans seeking refuge in South Africa.
Many civil rights society organizations including the Black Sash, had made repeated calls to government over the past few months to suspend all deportations of Zimbabweans until such time as the political and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe has been stabilised.
Nkosikhulule Nyembezi from the Black Sash says that it is long over due, “In the past, Zimbabweans had been considered as economic refugees. Taking into account their political situation in that country, It has required South Africans to give them a special status so as to legitimize their presence”.
In the mean time, the Black Sash urges the South African government to grant temporary immigration exemption status to Zimbabweans seeking refuge so that they may have access to legal and social protection.
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