Published: 09 September 2013

Concerns have been raised that South Africa could tighten screws on its policy on Zimbabwean asylum-seekers following the recent elections in that country being declared free and fair by regional powers.

Refugee rights group People Against Suffering, Oppression and Poverty said it was worried that currently 99% of Zimbabwean asylum seekers' applications were being rejected.

The organisation suggested that the endorsement of July 31 elections in Zimbabwe by the Southern African Development Community in its final report released last Monday, would have "very serious implications" on new asylum-seeker applicants from Zimbabwe.

But Lunga Ngqengelele spokesperson for South African Home Affairs minister Naledi Pandor, said they were not going to change their policy.
- newsday

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