The Times Editorial: The proposed plan to offer amnesty to Zimbabweans who possess illegal South African documentation is accompanied by vast problems.

No one can reasonably expect the South African government to remain in limbo in its relationship with Zimbabwe. Critics of South Africa's foreign policy towards our northern neighbour constantly ask for forward movement from the Union Buildings on the rules of engagement with President Robert Mugabe.

There appears to be a lack of acceptance for a protracted policy of quiet diplomacy that characterised the Thabo Mbeki presidency.

But, can we reasonably expect a comfortable acceptance of yesterday's Cabinet briefing, where the decision was announced that Zimbabweans with illegal South Africa documents would have until the end of the year to prove why they should remain in the country? If these Zimbabweans do not declare their illegal status and fraudulent documents, they will be arrested and face deportation.

But, how many Zimbabweans will come forward when faced with the real possibility of being sent back to a country from which they escaped in search of economic security?

Moreover, we can't ignore the possibility that South Africans might regard this as a go-ahead to revive the xenophobic tendencies that bubbled under the surface after the World Cup.

How do we convince those South Africans - who already carry significant resentment towards Africans from outside the country - not to see this announcement as a signal from government that Zimbabweans are no longer welcome in South Africa?

While there must be logical reasons for confiscating fraudulent documentation, the government must proceed with a great deal of caution. As past behaviour has shown, this issue is hugely emotive and could easily reignite hostile attitudes.