THE Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa will today commence
regular consular services including issuance of passports and birth
certificates that had been suspended when the host country imposed strict
lockdown measures.
The gradual resumption of consular services follows South
Africa easing of lockdown measures to level 2.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, two weeks ago
announced that his country was moving to lockdown level 2 removing nearly all
the restrictions to industries with effect from last Monday.
The development is likely to benefit scores of Zimbabweans
whose passports had expired and that was likely to affect their legal stay in
the neighbouring country.
Consular General at the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa
Mrs Melody Chaurura in a public notice dated August 20, said the gradual
resumption of consulate services is in line with easing of lockdown in South
Africa.
Mrs Chaurura said strict Covid-19 prevention protocols will
be followed inclusive of online booking for those who would be attended at the
Consulate.
“Reference is made to the consulate public notice issued on
June 3, 2020 and to earlier public notices relating to the suspension of
regular consular services since the beginning of the lockdown in South Africa.
Members of the public are hereby advised that the Consulate
will embark on a gradual restoration of all consular services, including the
processing of passports and birth certificate applications for Zimbabwean
nationals resident in South Africa, with effect from Monday 24, August 2020,”
said Mrs Chaurura.
“In order to protect both members of staff and valued
clients from contracting coronavirus and in conformity with the host country’s
regulations, the following procedures will apply: all clients will be served
strictly by appointment between 9AM and 12:30PM during weekdays. The booking
system is designed to ensure that clients do not exceed the allowable
congregation thresholds at the consulate, as set by the host Government under
social distancing protocols.”
She said members of the public can book appointments
through the country’s website www.zimbabweconsulate.co.za and Facebook Page,
Zimbabwe consulate Boeing Road Bedfordview.
Mrs Chaurura said a maximum of 75 clients will be assisted
per day and the selection of clients would be on first come and first served
basis.
“The confirmation of appointments should be presented at
the security checkpoints in order to be granted passage into the premises.
Please take note of the following: time slots are neither interchangeable nor
transferable. Clients are therefore advised to strictly adhere to the allocated
time slots. Clients who show up at the consulate without a confirmation of appointment
will not be allowed into the premises. Clearance for the repatriation of human
remains for burial in Zimbabwe will continue to be strictly processed via the
existing electronic platforms,” said Mrs Chaurura.
She urged the public to continue communicating with the
consulate using platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, emails for other
issues. Chronicle
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