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Why are Zimbabwean workers being forced to leave South Africa?

The government is ending a special permit scheme which allows nearly 180,000 migrants to work in SA. Africa Daily hears from some of those who may now have to leave.

“The future now doesn’t look so bright for us.â€

Thousands of Zimbabweans – many who’ve lived in South Africa for the last decade – are facing mass deportation when the government ends a special permit scheme at the end of this year.

Nearly 180,000 people are legally working or studying in the country thanks to their Zimbabwe Exemption Permits.

But the documents are now being terminated – with migrants having to prove they possess critical skills that are needed in the country before they are allowed to stay.

For Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to some of the people who are now facing an uncertain future, in this first podcast of two on the subject.

Presenter: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)

Release date:

Available now

14 minutes

Podcast