A Lifeline for Zimbabweans in South Africa: The ZEP Coordinating Committee’s Inspiring Story

By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo

The ZEP Coordinating Committee has been an important lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans living in South Africa since 2008. The organisation’s tireless efforts have helped secure documentation, employment, education, and healthcare for its members helping in providing a sense of stability and security in uncertain times.

The ZEP Coordinating Committee’s journey began as a response to the growing need for documentation and protection for Zimbabweans crossing Limpopo and looking for green pastures in the neighbouring South Africa. Through determination and perseverance, the organisation has played a crucial role in securing the Zimbabwe Dispensation Permit (ZDP) for over 320,000 Zimbabweans between 2008 and 2010. This permit provided a legal means for Zimbabweans to live and work in South Africa. This marked a significant milestone in the organisation’s history.

Today, the ZEP Coordinating Committee continues to provide various services and support to its members. With over 170,000 principal permit holders and more than 500,000 accompanying family members, the organisation’s work is more important than ever. From assisting with documentation and employment to providing access to education and healthcare, the ZEP Coordinating Committee has become a crucial resource for Zimbabweans living in South Africa.

The organisation’s leadership team which includes National Coordinator Edward Muchatuta, Chairperson K. Chikupo, and Secretary Memory Gatsi, has been working tirelessly to engage with governments, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in pursuing the interests of Zimbabweans across Limpopo.

One of the ZEP Coordinating Committee’s most notable achievements has been its work in facilitating access to education for its members’ children. Through partnerships with educational institutions, the organisation has helped in securing scholarships, bursaries, and other forms of support necessary for hundreds of students. This initiative has not only improved the educational prospects of Zimbabwean children but has also been helping to promote social cohesion and integration.

The ZEP Coordinating Committee has also played a critical role in advancing economic empowerment programs among its members. Through training programs, business development initiatives, and access to finance, the organisation has helped equip its members with the necessary skills and resources needed to succeed in the South African economy. This initiative has not only improved the economic prospects of Zimbabweans but has also been contributing to the growth and development of the South African economy.

As the ZEP Coordinating Committee looks to the future, it remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of its members. The organisation is currently engaged in discussions with the South African and Zimbabwean governments to secure a long-term solution for Zimbabweans living in South Africa. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the ZEP Coordinating Committee has vowed to remain a beacon of hope for Zimbabweans in South Africa. Surely this is a testament to the power of community and solidarity in the face of adversity, hardships and uncertainty.