Policy decision-making pandering to political populism? the non-renewal of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPS) by South Africa

This policy brief discusses the issue of the non-renewal of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) and contends that the decision taken by the DHA was a populist move that failed to address the well-being of those affected. Furthermore, the policy brief advances the views of civil society organisations and others who have urged the state to seek a more long-term coordinated solution that results in the regularisation of permit holders based on the length of time they have been in South Africa and the obvious implications the decision will have for their livelihoods and wellbeing. Furthermore, revoking ZEPs has the potential to create additional irregular migration and non-documentation issues, a result counter to the reason the permits were introduced in the first place. Read more about it here