Zimbabweans who overstayed their temporary permits due to South Africa’s coronavirus lockdown have been banned for five years from re-entering, despite earlier promises of exemptions.
Among these are some Zimbabweans who made use of specially arranged buses over the weekend to return home. They were shocked when they were told by officials at the Beitbridge border post that they could not return to South Africa for five years. This seems to be contrary to a special arrangement that was announced in March and published on April 14 on the Department of Home Affairs’ website.One woman, who returned home on Saturday 16 May, was given a paper stating that the reason for her five-year ban is that she has “overstayed by 37 days, at a time”. She was declared an “undesirable person”.
This is despite a statement by the government saying holders of visas “which expired from mid-February 2020” and who did not renew their visas before the lockdown, “will not be declared illegal or prohibited persons”. The woman was among 200 Zimbabweans who made use of buses sponsored by South Africa-based Zimbabwean businessman Justice Maphosa to facilitate those who wanted to return to Zimbabwe but who were out of pocket.She said when they got to the Beitbridge border post, those with expired papers got an unpleasant surprise.
“They said, those who have got a valid passport, make your own line. Those who have overstayed because of lockdown, make your own line. When the immigration stamped the passport, those who had the passport who expired during the lockdown, they were given the stamp for five years.” She said she had been in South Africa to visit relatives and “got stuck” because of the lockdown. The woman is currently undergoing 21-day quarantine with a group of fellow travellers at the Masvingo Polytechnic, a government-owned college.
Asked whether she would have stayed in South Africa if she had known about this ban, she said: “Because of the situation down there [in South Africa], I think people will sacrifice and they will say they have no passports, and cross the border as border jumpers without passport,” she said.
Like many South Africans, Zimbabweans living in South Africa have been without an income for over a month now due to the lockdown, but many of them are not entitled to the relief measures announced by the South African government.
There is anecdotal evidence that, outside of the lockdown period, this kind of border jumping has been the standard procedure for Zimbabweans who have overstayed their permits in South Africa.
The woman said the same ban was issued to some of her compatriots who paid R600 each to return on chartered buses last week, and the week before there were similar reports in the local media when 141 Zimbabweans returned home.
There were also claims on social media of delays at the South African border of up to 16 hours, and of longer delays for vehicles transporting goods.
A Zanu-PF MP from the Beitbridge East constituency, Albert Nguluvhe, was quoted as saying these bans might have been an “overreaction” by South African immigration officials because some of those among the early returnees were shoppers caught up when the lockdown commenced.An official government spokesperson was less sympathetic. Permanent Secretary in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, tweeted on May 10:“Some are asking whether every Zimbabwean returning home from South Africa is having a five-year ban stamped in their passport.
“ONLY THOSE WHO BROKE SOUTH AFRICAN IMMIGRATION LAWS SUCH AS OVERSTAYING ARE SUBJECT TO SOME MEASURES ENDORSED IN THEIR PASSPORTS.”
Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza said the department would not penalise people who were in the country legally and whose permits expired during the lockdown period. “Such people are allowed to leave without being barred from returning to the country,” he said. He was also in the process of making inquiries about what had happened in the case of the woman mentioned earlier. Qoza added that travellers can appeal the ban within 30 days, making use of the email address on the document they were given.
Zimbabwean leaders earlier said there are about 3,000 nationals in South Africa who indicated that they wanted to return. It is thought that there are over a million – and as many as three million – Zimbabweans in South Africa at any given time. Two weeks ago the department sent home 570 Zimbabweans who were held at Lindela repatriation centre in Krugersdorp following a riot there. South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told SABC that he summoned the Zimbabwean mission to take care of the deportation.
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Debt Consolidation Loans: Smart Financial Strategies to Reduce Monthly Payments
Understanding How Debt Consolidation Works
Debt consolidation loans have become one of the most popular financial solutions for consumers struggling with multiple high-interest debts. Instead of managing several monthly payments with different due dates and interest rates, borrowers combine all debts into one manageable loan payment. This simplifies budgeting and may significantly reduce monthly financial pressure.
Many consumers use debt consolidation to combine credit card balances, personal loans, medical debt, and payday loans into a single repayment plan. Financial institutions and online lenders now offer flexible debt consolidation options designed for borrowers with varying credit profiles. As living costs continue rising in 2026, more households are turning to debt consolidation as a practical way to regain financial control.
The primary goal of debt consolidation is to lower interest rates and simplify repayment. High-interest credit cards often carry rates above 20%, making it difficult for borrowers to reduce balances effectively. A consolidation loan with a lower annual percentage rate can reduce total repayment costs while improving long-term financial stability.
Major Benefits of Debt Consolidation Loans
One major advantage of debt consolidation is payment simplification. Managing several debts can become stressful and increase the risk of missed payments. A single monthly payment makes budgeting easier and reduces confusion.
Lower interest rates are another important benefit. Borrowers with good or improving credit scores may qualify for loans offering significantly lower rates than existing credit card balances. This allows more of each payment to go toward reducing principal balances rather than paying interest charges.
Debt consolidation may also improve credit scores over time. Paying off revolving credit card balances can lower credit utilization ratios, which play a major role in credit scoring models. Consistent on-time payments on a consolidation loan can also strengthen payment history and overall creditworthiness.
Important Factors to Consider Before Applying
Before applying for a debt consolidation loan, borrowers should evaluate total repayment costs, loan terms, and lender fees carefully. Some loans may appear attractive initially but include hidden charges or extended repayment periods that increase total interest paid over time.
Borrowers should also avoid accumulating new debt after consolidation. Successful debt consolidation requires disciplined financial habits and budgeting improvements. Creating an emergency fund and reducing unnecessary spending can help prevent future financial difficulties.
Comparing multiple lenders is highly recommended. Online lending platforms, credit unions, and traditional banks often provide different interest rates and repayment options. Shopping around helps borrowers secure the most favorable terms possible.
Final Thoughts
Debt consolidation loans can provide valuable financial relief for consumers overwhelmed by multiple debts. Lower monthly payments, reduced interest rates, and simplified budgeting make consolidation an attractive option for many households.
However, long-term success depends on responsible financial management. Borrowers who combine consolidation with strong budgeting habits and controlled spending often achieve the best results and improve their financial future significantly.
Best Life Insurance Policy for Families: Term vs. Whole Life Explained
Life insurance is one of the most important financial protections a family can consider. If someone depends on your income, life insurance can help provide money for bills, mortgage payments, childcare, education costs, and everyday expenses if you pass away.
The two common types of life insurance are term life and whole life. Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If the insured person dies during that term, the policy pays a death benefit to the beneficiary. If the term ends and the policy is not renewed, coverage usually expires.
Whole life insurance is permanent coverage designed to last for the insured person’s lifetime, as long as premiums are paid. It also includes a cash value component that may grow over time. Because of this, whole life insurance usually costs more than term life insurance.
For many families, term life insurance is attractive because it can provide a larger amount of coverage at a lower monthly cost. This can be helpful during the years when a family has a mortgage, children at home, car payments, and other major financial responsibilities.
Whole life insurance may appeal to people who want lifetime coverage, estate planning benefits, or a policy with cash value. However, because premiums are higher, it is important to understand whether the extra cost fits your budget and long-term goals.
When choosing a life insurance policy, start by estimating how much coverage your family may need. A common approach is to consider income replacement, debt, funeral costs, future education expenses, and the number of years your family would need financial support.
You should also compare quotes from multiple companies. Life insurance premiums can vary based on age, health, tobacco use, occupation, lifestyle, family medical history, and coverage amount. Buying earlier in life often results in lower premiums because age and health are major pricing factors.
Before applying, review the company’s financial strength and customer service reputation. Life insurance is a long-term product, so you want a provider that is stable and reliable.
The best life insurance policy depends on your family’s needs. Term life may be better for affordable income protection. Whole life may be better for permanent coverage and long-term planning. Some families use both.
Always read the policy details carefully before purchasing. This article is for general education and should not replace advice from a licensed insurance professional.
