ActionSA has issued a call for more stringent measures following the launch of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum.
The party says the recent dismissals and prosecutions in these institutions are noted, while isolated actions are not enough.
“Corruption within the Department of Home Affairs has allowed illegal immigrants to infiltrate the system with impunity, with criminals buying fraudulent residency and even citizenship. This not only undermines the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system but is unsustainable and comes at the direct expense of bona fide South Africans who rely on state services and economic opportunities.”
The party details that lasting change demands systemic reforms, strict enforcement, and an actionable commitment to accountability, calling for the Border Management Authority to be fully resourced to prevent, detect, and eliminate corruption effectively.
It is highlighted that robust anti-corruption strategy must include:
A Dedicated Anti-Corruption Institution – A Chapter 9 entity with full investigative and prosecutorial powers, free from political interference.
Technological Safeguards – AI-driven adjudication for travel authorisations and secure digital identity systems to curb human discretion and bribery.
Specialised Anti-Corruption Courts – A stronger NPA with dedicated courts to expedite cases and impose harsh penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences and permanent bans from public office.
“Prevention is as critical as prosecution. The government must ensure that anti-corruption measures are proactive, transparent, and immune to political manipulation. ActionSA will closely monitor this forum’s progress and push for legislative reforms to eradicate corruption, protect law-abiding citizens, and restore the integrity of our borders. The time to put South Africa first and rebuild our society, restore, and enforce the rule of law has never been more pressing than now.”
Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, highlighted ongoing efforts towards an extensive anti-corruption crackdown in the department at the launch.
“The beauty of this event is that it is not a talk shop,” Schreiber stated.
“But we were also able to report on the progress that we are already making as part of our corruption cleanup in Home Affairs and the border management environment. So since July of last year, 27 officials have been dismissed in the Department of Home Affairs for their role in fraud and corruption; a further 11 have been dismissed from the Border Management Authority, and there is much more to come.”
Saturday Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za