What effect will the elections in South Africa have on smugglers and illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe?
Smugglers of undocumented Zimbabweans worry that after elections, their illegal movement into South Africa may come to an end.
Thulani Ncube, 42, sometimes referred to as “oMalaicha,” is a cross-border driver who stealthily delivers packages containing necessities and occasionally cash to residents by negotiating a network of unofficial trade channels that cross the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In the midst of Zimbabwe’s socio-political unrest and economic hardship, Ncube and many who share his perspective saw this underground economy as a lifeline.
However, concerns over the destiny of Zimbabwean migrants and the unofficial networks that support them loom as South Africa prepares for the most hotly contested election since apartheid ended.
Many of the over a million Zimbabweans living in South Africa without the necessary paperwork are anxious about the next election, as are their families back home.
The result might signal major changes in South Africa’s immigration environment, which might have an effect on people’s quality of life on both sides of the border.
The leader of Gohole village, Courage Moyo, embodies the interdependence of South Africa and Zimbabwe in the center of the community.
His eyes are glued to the election happenings on the other side of the border, and he knows exactly what that means for his neighborhood.
For Moyo and a great number of other people, South Africa is not only a place to travel to but also a lifeline that supports and remittances families.
Nonetheless, their dreams and goals are clouded by the threat of stricter immigration laws.
Current conversations in nearby WhatsApp groups highlight the widespread uncertainty, with some considering other migration paths, such as relocating to Botswana.
Zimbabweans face an uncertain future as South Africa’s political discourse on immigration heats up.
A thorough reform of the immigration system has been promised by the ruling African National Congress (ANC), with the goal of resolving issues with irregular migration and job displacement.
Opposition voices, reflecting broader societal concerns over the perceived impact of migration on local employment opportunities, call for stronger controls in the meanwhile.
The destiny of holders of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs), a group caught between existential uncertainty and legal limbo, is at the center of this discussion.
Introduced initially in reaction to Zimbabwe’s political upheaval, the ZEP gave thousands of migrants some measure of stability.
However, many people’s futures are in jeopardy because of ongoing legal disputes and unclear policies, which have placed them in a constant state of upheaval.
In light of this, the situation for undocumented migrants is still fragile.
Numerous people are compelled to take dangerous paths across the border in quest of economic possibilities because of exorbitant passport fees and bureaucratic obstacles.
This reality is best illustrated by Ncube’s covert activities, as he struggles to make ends meet while facing the possibility of deportation and xenophobic violence.
As the election campaign in South Africa winds down, the future of Zimbabweans without legal status remains uncertain.
For them, the result is a sign of significant existential issues rather than just a political show. It remains to be seen if they will flee under the cover of legislative improvements or deal with the threat of increased exclusion.
The voices of those who are excluded are frequently absent from the complex web of migration narratives. Their experiences, however, serve as a sobering reminder of the human cost of border regimes and immigration laws crafted far from their beaches in the midst of political turmoil.
The plight of undocumented Zimbabweans is a depressing witness to the ongoing struggle for dignity and belonging in an increasingly broken globe, as the world watches the drama surrounding South Africa’s elections.
