I am writing this letter to you with the hope that you will be able to assist me with my issue. I recently applied for a work visa (after having been offered a permanent job) and it was rejected as the Department of Labour cited that my company can still find a South African to do the role that I was recruited for.
I am a 30 year old from Zimbabwe; I have been in Cape Town since 2010. I finished my high school in 2004 but could not proceed with my education due to financial difficulties. After a few years, I managed to get a job in a book shop but had to eventually leave it as I was not earning enough to even last me through the whole month of travelling. In 2008, I lost my mother (my father died when I was 12). I moved in with my eldest sister, who (after a while) had to resign from work as she had gone for months with no salary (this was the norm in Zimbabwe). We struggled; went without food, we couldn't pay rent and electricity. We had to beg from other people.
In 2010, I thought to come to South Africa, hoping to find a job so that I could further my studies, better my life and be in a position to assist my own family. I struggled; finding a job was not as easy as other people made it out to be. To cut the long story short, a family I had to move in with after I was left stranded in Cape Town, introduced me to a college where I did not need to pay any tuition as the college mainly catered for financially disadvantaged students. Fortunately, I got accepted there. The challenges did not stop; I struggled to obtain a study visa amongst other issues. Despite all of this, I managed to finish my studies in 2014 and I graduated with honors. After having been out of school for nearly 8 years!
During my final year of studies, I got to do my internship with a certain company. After 4 months with them, they offered me a permanent position. Big, big break for me! It has not just been about working at a highly reputable company, a company that many people wish to work for. It has been about working...earning money...finally making a living on my own...being in a better position to help my siblings. I have really come far!
My application being rejected is a major drawback for me. I am appealing to you to help me be able to continue in SA and work and better my life. I completely understand that the government intends to have South Africans be employed first before any other nationals. But given my own personal circumstances and how far I’ve come, I really really need to continue with my job.
I am looking forward to your response.
Thank you!
Yours sincerely
Mx A
