Granting of Temporary Resident permits to Zimbabweans by S.A 31-08-07

 

ZIMBABWE CONGRESS OF TRADE UNIONS

PRESS RELEASE

Granting temporary resident permits to Zimbabweans by South Africa

We would like to applaud the South African government for considering granting Zimbabweans temporary resident permits so that they could legally work in that country.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) have been jointly calling for the recognition of millions of Zimbabweans illegally working and living in South Africa. Zimbabwe has been losing both skilled and unskilled labor to neighboring countries with a greater majority crossing into South Africa as opportunities are abound there.

These Zimbabweans have been exploited by unscrupulous employers who pay them below stipulated minimum wages. It is our hope that the granting of temporary resident and work permits will help address this problem and ensure that Zimbabweans have access to decent work and equal opportunities just like their South African counterparts.

However, the ZCTU feels South Africa's approach is discriminatory in that only people with 'proof' of qualifications will be considered. This is despite reality that even Zimbabweans without qualifications are working in South Africa. We, therefore call upon the South African authorities to also take into consideration these people in granting temporary resident permits.

31 August 2007

Wellington Chibebe