Lesotho nationals holding a Lesotho Exemption Permit (LEP) to study in South Africa are legally permitted to work as freelance English teachers online without breaking immigration laws, GroundUp confirmed in a Q&A published on 19 October 2026. The LEP allows holders to study, work, and conduct business freely within South Africa under its terms.
The South African Department of Home Affairs extended the validity of LEPs until 28 May 2027, as announced in a Government Gazette notice published on 7 October 2025. This extension means that existing LEPs remain valid for 18 months beyond the previous expiry date of 28 November 2025.
Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, stated: “I, Dr L. A. Schreiber, MP, Minister of Home Affairs, with the powers bestowed upon me in terms of section 31(2)(b) of the Immigration Act, have decided to extend the validity of the Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP) until 28 May 2027.” The extension ensures lawful residence for LEP holders while consultations on permit policy continue.
While the LEP permits study, work, and business activities, those earning income in South Africa or meeting personal income tax thresholds must comply with South African Revenue Service (SARS) regulations. For the 2027 tax year starting 1 March 2026, SARS set the personal income tax threshold at R99,000 for those younger than 65 and higher thresholds for older taxpayers.
According to SARS, taxpayers who earn any income in South Africa must register with SARS and meet tax obligations regardless of visa status. This means freelance English teachers operating online must declare their income if it meets or exceeds these thresholds.
The Helen Suzman Foundation highlighted that LEP holders are also protected from arrest, detention, or deportation linked to permit expiry during the extension period, citing section 34 of the Immigration Act. LEP holders may enter and exit South Africa without an endorsement sticker in their passports during this period, easing travel compliance.
Community members and students holding LEPs can therefore confidently teach English online as freelancers, provided they adhere to SARS tax registration and payment rules. This expands opportunities for Lesotho nationals studying in South Africa to earn income legally and support themselves without contravening immigration or tax laws.
Unverified reports suggest waiver and appeal concessions for LEP holders might be extended until 30 June 2027, but this remains unconfirmed pending official announcements.
For now, the LEP extension and its flexibility support cross-border economic participation without compromising lawful residency. Cape Flats News will continue monitoring any changes to LEP conditions or tax requirements affecting Lesotho nationals in South Africa.