Zimbabweans marched to their embassy in Pretoria on Tuesday to protest a massive hike in the price of the country’s passports.
The price has risen from R2,195 to R4,573.
Zimbabweans in South Africa are under pressure as the recent extension on their visa applications, which allows them to stay and work in the country, is set to end on 31 December.
About 25 Zimbabweans delivered a memorandum to the embassy protesting the price hike and calling for Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.
Simphiwe Ndlovu, a South African resident supporting the marchers, said he lives with some Zimbabweans, many of whom are his friends.
He said they told him they could not afford the new passport price.
“This is bad because when they come to South Africa without proper documents like passports, it is hard for them to get jobs.”
Tapshinda Mugore, the spokesperson for the Citizens of Zimbabwe in South Africa organisation, was unhappy with the turnout for the march.
“I am very disappointed with the number of our fellow Zimbabweans who are here today,” he said. “Those who did not make it today need to understand that numbers bring dignity in matters like this.
“Our voices need to be heard, and they need to come in numbers as an indication that they are not happy about what is being done to them,” said Mugore.
Kagiso Nakuba, an EFF member in Sedibeng, said the party supports Zimbabweans as their country is South Africa’s neighbour.
“When our people were exiled during apartheid, they sought refuge in Zimbabwe. We regard Mnangagwa as incompetent because he is very selfish and does not care about the well-being of the Zimbabweans. We will continue supporting our fellow brothers and sisters in the call for him to step down,” said Nakuba.
