PU letter, Embassy reopening date, residence permit expires

Hello. Is a PU letter still required now that the borders are slowly reopening? I saw it's not required for some European countries and wondered if it's valid for South Africans as well.

Also when exactly will the embassy reopen? I've heard it could be on September 28th, is this true.

Last my residence permit will expire on October 9th, but I still have a valid work permit. What are the requirements to reapply for a Z visa?

Thank you