THE South African government has lifted the entry ban of 52 Zambians who were facing a five year entry ban into that country for allegedly over staying after their visas expired during the COVID 19 lockdown last year.

According to a statement issued by first secretary for press and public relations at the Zambia High Commission in South Africa Naomi Nyawali, Wednesday, the 52 were part of the 89 Zambians who were facing a five year entry ban into South Africa.

“The South African government through its Ministry of Home Affairs has lifted the entry ban of 52 Zambian nationals into that country. The 52 are part of the 89 Zambians who are facing a five year entry ban into South Africa for allegedly over staying after their visas expired during the COVID 19 induced hard-lockdown last year,” she stated.

“The 89 individuals were given a five year ban each at the exit port when they were being evacuated from South Africa at the peak of the coronavirus spread in the country for allegedly flouting its Immigration laws.”

Meanwhile, Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Major General Jackson Miti said those who were banned included traders and truck drivers.

He said about 37 Zambians were still waiting for their ban to be lifted following the review of their cases by South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

General Miti further advised affected people that had not yet received their waivers to contact the Zambian Mission in Pretoria for assistance.