Arrived in Lilongwe Sunday after a bumpy flight from Johannesburg.  No one to meet me, and I asked the Avis desk how to get to my hotel.  They suggested a taxi driver hanging around without any ID..they laughed when I asked how would I know he was an official taxi driver.  As if Africa was safe for pink-coloured males like me.

Continuing on my quest to talk with Zimbabwean migrants, I met an NGO CHRR who confirmed what I had already suspected - Malawi Government friendly with Mugabe, wouldnt accept criticism, I must be careful when I speak with Government, Zimbabwean migrants commit crimes and take jobs therefore much Xenophobia.  Of course no statistics or proof of that and vigorously promoted by the 'free' press.  Poor Zimbabweans.  No hope at home, no hope abroad.

Oh yes, why dont you get papers they all say..just look at the new visa requirements reproduced below for Zimbaweans hoping to go to South Africa along with my comments in italics.

New visa requirements for Zimbabwean passport holders visiting S.A.

Bulawayo Morning Mirror, Feb 2008







Steps:



1. A person in South Africa has to invite you.  They have to go to home Affairs office and get a form to fill in with their details and yours.



This is then taken to a Police Station to be certified as a true statement.



The details on this form may include a copy of their bank account to prove



they can support your stay!!  I think no comment is required..just imagine!







2. You then put that form along with a letter of invitation along with the



following to the South African Embassy in Harare (takes 1 week to 10 days to process) Cost of postage to Harare return at the moment 15 million.with  just about no way to get work or money...



a) Police clearance (This take 2 weeks and is a whole different exercise on



it's own.)



b) 2 passport photographs



c) Your ORIGINAL long birth certificate. Or a certified copy by the Lawyers. Susan, who we spoke to below, gave the original copy of her birth certificate to the police in Harari.  It was never returned.  She now cant even prove she is Zimbabwean!



d) R2000 travellers cheques the real ones! Which will cost you R2000 and about $54million (at today's costs)

Perhaps the photo of the two buddies above shows why Zimbabweans suffer going into South Africa?