Zimbabweans stranded as South African visa delays persist

Scores of Zimbabwean students who secured places at the University of Johannesburg now face exclusion from the academic year. They met all entry requirements. However, their visas remain stuck in processing systems. As a result, uncertainty now overshadows their academic ambitions.

Students Struggle to Finalise Registration

The semester has already started. Yet many students cannot complete registration. They also cannot attend lectures or access campus facilities. According to Daily News, some students watch classes progress without them. Meanwhile, they wait for documents that should have been processed months ago. Several students accepted their admission offers early. They also submitted study visa applications well in advance. At that time, there was little reason to panic.

However, weeks later, no progress has occurred. Processing delays at South African visa centres have left many stranded. Consequently, deadlines are approaching rapidly. This uncertainty now threatens their academic plans and future goals.

Online Reactions Gather Momentum

The situation has triggered heated reactions on social media. Both South Africans and Zimbabweans have shared strong opinions. Online discussions reveal sympathy, frustration, and sharp criticism.

Here is how some have reacted:

@Mestori Makhetha: “What do politicians discuss in SADC and AU meetings if they cannot advise each other to shape up or tie loose ends?”

@Gugu Hadebe: “My son was admitted in Mpumalanga .UJ was full now I will tell him to apply Zimbabeans must study in Zim leave space for South Africans.”

@Anima Qaloshe: “Zimbabwens claim to have better education than SA why are they flocking in our university’s if I may ask.”

@Oyisipho Mlangeni: “Other South African universities must learn from UJ as well.”

@Pula Nala: “According to experts Zimbabwe has the best education and yet all of them are in SA”

@Busi Kalako: “International students are allowed in any University.”

Visa Backlogs Persist Year After Year

This is not the first time Zimbabwean students have faced this challenge. Each year, many apply to South African universities. Likewise, visa backlogs resurface annually. Universities continue recruiting students across the region.

However, immigration systems repeatedly fail to match that demand.

Unless systems improve, similar disruptions will likely continue.


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