New Zimbabwean consulate opens up in Johannesburg

Zimbabwean consulate pops up

A new Zimbabwean consulate opened its door on Thursday, 25 July, and will be the place for Zimbabweans living in South Africa to apply for passports, including e-passports, and birth certificates.

According to IOL, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Makamure Shava said that the new consulate would enable Zimbabweans residing in South Africa to acquire proper documentation.

“On June 18, 2024, in this building, we commenced the rollout of the e-passport delivery platform to our nationals abroad and I am happy that we started in South Africa. I am pleased to inform you that the system trial run that we conducted on e-passports was a tremendous success.” Shava said as per IOL.

“The e-passport processing centre housed in this building enables Zimbabwean nationals here in South Africa to apply for, and obtain this critical document much more conveniently, and quickly – without the middle man. The trial run ends today with the official launch of the project. The centre has successfully processed a total of 2,146 e-passport applications,” Shava added in his address.

The Minister also urged his countrymen to access the services to ensure that they have the required documentation to reside and work in South Africa.

“By respecting and abiding by the laws of this country, you will be contributing immensely to the good name and image of Zimbabwe, here and beyond, particularly, given the ties between Zimbabwe and the Republic of South Africa.” Shava said.

Flights from Air Zimbabwe to resume

Air Zimbabwe has resumed flights between Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport from today, 29 July. 

According to Travel News, the resumption of flights are part of a larger strategy to maintain momentum in the country’s Open Skies Policy and its Open for Business Policy.

Flights along the route will be as follows:

• The Harare flight will depart daily at 11:30 with arrival in Johannesburg at 13:15.
• The Johannesburg will also depart daily at 14:00, arriving in Harare at 15:30.