The Durban branch of the Zimbabwean political party, the Movement for Democratic Change, on Friday called for the speedy issuing of asylum papers to Zimbabweans by the Home Affairs Department.

Secretary Sibanengi Dube said the party's leadership had even offered cleaning services to the department as a good gesture.

Dube claimed that only four people were being helped a week at the Durban home affairs offices even though Movement for democratic Change (MDC) members were queuing up in large numbers to sort out their documentation.

"This is despite the fact that the MDC leadership in Durban had resolved to offer cleaning services to the home affairs building as a good gesture for assistance the department is supposed to be offering to Zimbabweans," he said in a statement.

The party’s provincial chairperson Nhamo Chikowore said he felt compelled to introduce a feeding scheme to assist Zimbabwean asylum seekers standing for hours in long queues.

"Some faint after queuing for days without food," he said.

"We urge the department of home affairs to treat the Zimbabwe issue as a special case which needs immediate attention," he said.

Home Affairs Department spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa was not immediately available for comment on the matter.

Sapa

Week in Quotes The ANC has no interest in porn; the JSC is impartial; and the SABC wants public thanks...

The iafrica.com debate Should politicians be entitled to excessive luxury? Ebrahim Moolla takes on Rebekah Kendal...

Quirky & Bizarre Do you need a laugh? Then check out our offbeat stories from around the world...