Home Affairs
By Mpho Moloi
The Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), launched the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) in Pretoria on Tuesday. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to rooting out corrupt practices that have long plagued these critical areas. 
A Collaborative Effort Against Corruption
The BMIACF represents a unified front comprising various government agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This coalition aims to enforce accountability and implement systemic reforms to eliminate opportunities for corruption.  
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber highlighted the pervasive nature of corruption, stating that sophisticated syndicates have infiltrated government systems to exploit both citizens and immigrants. He emphasized that merely addressing the symptoms is insufficient; instead, a comprehensive approach targeting the root causes is essential. Schreiber remarked, “Where syndicates take control, they deliberately break the system. From the perspective of these criminals, an immigration system that creates loopholes to extort bribes is not broken; it is working exactly as they intend.”  
Recent Disciplinary Actions and Legal Proceedings
Between July 2024 and February 2025, the Department of Home Affairs dismissed 27 officials for offenses including fraud, corruption, and sexual misconduct. Eighteen dismissals were announced in November 2024, with an additional nine officials dismissed more recently. Schreiber indicated that this number might rise as ongoing appeals conclude. 
Law enforcement efforts have led to the conviction and sentencing of eight officials, with prison terms ranging from four to 18 years. Notably, Pakistani national Afran Ahmed was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court for charging foreign nationals R45,000 per South African passport. Additionally, 19 officials are currently undergoing criminal prosecution. 
The BMA has also taken action, dismissing ten officials for corruption and one for aiding and abetting during the same period. Another 45 BMA cases are at various stages in the disciplinary process, potentially leading to further dismissals.
Technological Reforms to Curb Corruption
To address systemic vulnerabilities, the Department of Home Affairs is implementing technological reforms aimed at reducing human discretion in processes susceptible to corruption. These reforms include: 
• Electronic Travel Authorisation: Replacing paper visas with an electronic system that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning for adjudication. 
• Digital Identity Documents: Phasing out the traditional green ID book in favor of more secure smart IDs and digital IDs. This transition is part of the digital ID system announced by the President during the State of the Nation Address. 
• Automated Border Control: Implementing automated entry and exit systems at all ports of entry. The Medium-Term Development Plan aims to achieve this at all airports initially, with expansion to land and sea ports by the end of the current administration. Schreiber noted, “No more papers that can go missing or be manipulated… because you cannot bribe a computer and an electronic gate.”
Addressing Past Abuses and State Capture
The department is actively working to rectify past abuses that facilitated state capture. This includes revoking irregularly granted South African citizenships, such as that of a senior Gupta family member, under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act. Schreiber emphasized that these efforts represent the most significant crackdown on corruption in the immigration sector to date, aiming to transform the Department of Home Affairs and the BMA into institutions of integrity.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 98 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Fezile Dabi Mayor Khasudi: ‘The Boreholes Exist, and the DA is Delivering for Residents”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-098.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube