Rising Passport Costs Spur Zimbabwean Nationals to Protest in Pretoria

Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa are planning a protest at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria tomorrow. The protest is a response to the recent price hikes of Zimbabwean passports, which have caused widespread frustration and anger among the diaspora community.

On 26 July, the Zimbabwean consulate in Johannesburg announced that the price of a passport would rise from $170 (about R3,100) to $250 (about R4,540). This change is in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage's directive, which mandates that all e-passport applications processed at the Consulate in Johannesburg be handled as express/emergency applications, as per Statutory Instrument 1 of 2024. Consequently, passport application fees for express/emergency passports are now set at USD 250, calculated at the prevailing USD/ZAR exchange rate, effective from Monday, 29 July 2024.

These increases come at a time when many Zimbabweans are struggling financially due to economic challenges both in their home country and abroad. For those living in South Africa, acquiring a passport is essential for legal documentation and travel, but the exorbitant fees are placing an additional burden on an already vulnerable community.

The protestors are demanding a review and reduction of the passport fees, arguing that the current prices are unjustifiable and exploitative. They point out that the cost of producing passports should not be passed on so heavily to citizens, especially when the Zimbabwean economy is facing severe inflation and currency instability.

Many Zimbabweans in South Africa rely on remittances from family members working in the diaspora to sustain their livelihoods. The high cost of passports not only affects their ability to travel but also impacts their capacity to support families back home.

Several Zimbabweans in South Africa have expressed their frustrations with the current situation. One protestor, Tendai Ndlovu, shared her concerns:

"It feels like we are being punished for wanting to have proper documentation. We just want to be able to travel and work legally, but these prices are making it impossible for us."

Another community member, Tafadzwa Chigumira, emphasized the need for accountability from the Zimbabwean government:

"We understand that the government needs revenue, but these hikes are unreasonable. The authorities must find a way to support their citizens without imposing such financial burdens."

The protest is scheduled to take place at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria tomorrow. Organizers are calling for a peaceful demonstration and are encouraging participants to bring placards and banners to express their grievances. The protest is expected to draw a large crowd, reflecting the widespread discontent among the Zimbabwean diaspora in South Africa.

The protest could have significant implications for both the Zimbabwean government and the diaspora community. It highlights the growing discontent among Zimbabweans abroad and underscores the need for government intervention to address the economic challenges facing its citizens. Additionally, the protest could lead to increased diplomatic pressure on the Zimbabwean authorities to reconsider their pricing policies and engage with the diaspora community to find mutually beneficial solutions.

As Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa prepare to voice their concerns at the embassy in Pretoria, the world watches to see how the Zimbabwean government will respond. The protest represents a critical moment for Zimbabweans seeking to assert their rights and demand fair treatment from their government, both at home and abroad.