by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ACTIONSA leader Herman Mashaba faced a fierce social media storm after he criticised Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber’s announcement to extend Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) and Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEPs) until 28 May 2027.
Mashaba, who has a political record of strong anti-immigrant rhetoric, accused Schreiber of “betraying South Africa” by renewing permits for Zimbabwean nationals.
Under the permit scheme, qualifying Zimbabweans and Basotho holders are legally allowed to live, work, and study in South Africa while a long-term immigration policy is developed.
The ZEP program has existed in various forms since 2009, following the earlier Dispensation for Zimbabweans Project (DZP); earlier extensions allowed ZEP holders protection from deportation and the ability to conduct normal visa-related activities.
But Mashaba’s post triggered backlash. One user dismissed him as a “Mozambican foreigner” attempting to police Zimbabwean lives in South Africa.
Activist Rutendo Matinyarare fired: “We told you—–you would never win the ZEP battle. You need our skills.”
Others questioned Mashaba’s motives: “So you are now even against legal immigrants also?” asked Unathi Afrika.
Some commentators warned that revoking legal status for ZEP holders could backfire.
Veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono cautioned: “If 178,000 Zimbabweans on ZEP lose their status overnight, South Africa’s economy will feel it hard … Construction, hospitality, logistics and domestic work will suffer labour gaps.”
Mashaba’s history of controversial statements on immigrants has drawn scrutiny.
His party has previously been linked to disinformation campaigns branding foreigners as threats—an approach analysed in media investigations into xenophobic messaging in South African politics.
Critics argue that the permit extension responds to judicial pressure: in 2024, Schreiber extended ZEP validity by 12 months to comply with a high court order requiring consultation with affected parties.
Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has recently simplified procedures for ZEP holders seeking General Work Visas — for instance, removing requirements for qualification credential checks and labour recommendation letters.
As South Africa continues to wrestle with xenophobic tensions, this episode underscores the political potency — and risks — of immigration rhetoric.
Observers warn that inflammatory attacks on vulnerable migrant communities could inflame social divisions and undermine South Africa’s commitments under international human rights frameworks.
— CAJ News