ABOUT HLENGIWE MKHIZE

Ms Mkhize is currently serving as the Minister of Home Affairs.

She was born on 6 September 1952. She served as a Member of Parliament since 2009. A founding member, and trustee, of the Children and Violence Trust since 1995, had been a trustee of the Malibongwe Business Trust from 2005. Professor Mkhize holds a BA degree in Psychology, Social Work and Sociology (University of Zululand); BA Hons (Psychology) and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Natal. She was a senior lecturer and researcher at Wits from 1990 until 1995. She was a board member of the South African Prisoner’s Organisation for Human Rights from 1994 to 1995; Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Commissioner and Chairperson of the Reparations and Rehabilitation committee from 1995 to 2003. Prior to her appointment, Prof Mkhize was ambassador to the Netherlands, had a short stint as Deputy Minister for Correctional Services and most recently served as the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services.

Source: (info.gov.za and www.itweb.co.za)

Draft Amendment to the Immigration Regulations 2014

Written submissions should reach the DHA on or before 14 October 2016.

High Court ruling – Holders of asylum seeker & refugees permits may now apply for the relevant immigration permits and visas

The much anticipated ruling on Immigration Directive 21 of 2015, barring Refugees and Asylum seekers from applying for a change of status to any visa or permit in terms of the Immigration Act, was handed down by in the High Court of South Africa on 21 September 2016. It has been declared that Directive 21 is inconsistent with the Constitution of the Republic and therefore invalid and must be set aside.

The judgement further clarifies that  even  failed asylum seekers must be permitted to apply for a visa by affording them the same opportunity as illegal  foreigners in section 32 where allowing individuals to approach the Director-General  for authorisation to apply for a visa.