Media Statement: Committee Welcomes Lifestyle Audits at DHA as Necessary Deterrent Against Fraud and Corruption

Parliament, Tuesday, 13 May 2025 - The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has applauded the no-nonsense approach by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to combating fraud and corruption within the department. The committee has urged the department to ensure adequate capacitation of the Counter-Corruption Unit to enhance efficiency.

"We welcome the 476 lifestyle audits concluded for DHA officials. This project must be extended to a wider employee population within the department to root out any corrupt and rogue elements within the department," said Mr Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the committee.

The committee also called for interventions aimed at safeguarding junior officials from being tempted by syndicates to sell the departmental documents. This view was in response to information that the lifestyle audit found that lower-level employees were more likely to be highly indebted, which opened them up to temptation. Despite this, the committee welcomed the assurance that, subsequently, these employees have been referred to vetting.

Meanwhile, the committee welcomed the noticeable increase in dismissals of departmental officials who were found to have corruptly and fraudulently approved documents for undeserving individuals. The committee called on law enforcement agencies to expedite criminal investigations to ensure that people are not only dismissed but face the full might of the law. "The committee is steadfast that the DHA plays a critical homeland security role, and the selling of the departmental documents is unacceptable. These selfish officials have shown their lack of patriotism, which is treasonous. Action should be taken against any acts of criminality," Mr Chabane emphasised.

The committee cautioned South Africans to desist from participating in marriages of convenience, which expose the national population register to abuse. The committee acknowledges South Africa's difficult socio-economic challenges but is of the view that this trend of marriages of convenience is counterproductive, as its benefits are outweighed by the disadvantages. The committee called on the Department of Home Affairs to work with the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute those who participate in this illegal act.

Meanwhile, the committee found it unacceptable that the Counter Corruption and Security Services is only operating at 28% of its approved post quotient. This undermines unit's good work and potential to combat corruption and secure South Africa's documents. The committee urged the department to engage with National Treasury to find ways to further capacitate the service in line with the National Development Plan, which calls for the development of a capable state that offer quality services to the people.

The committee also received an update on the Constitutional Court Judgement, which confirmed the Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act No. 88 of 1995), is inconsistent with the Constitution. The committee highlighted that the Constitutional Court judgement highlights why the White Paper on the Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection is urgent and needs to be expedited by the department, as recommended by the committee.

On the matter of Mr Philip Craig, the committee noted the Minister's correspondence on the matter of Mr Craig's legal standing in South Africa. The committee has resolved that it will seek legal advice on the the constitutional court ruling and the Craig matters before commenting on the issues.

The committee appreciated the speedy response on two matters the committee picked up on during an unannounced visit to Home Affairs offices in the Eastern Cape. On the matter of Ms Toyana, the committee welcome the information that the matter was not a marriage of convenience and that the department has made contact with Ms Toyana to resolve the matter.

"The department has shown willingness to assist where they can. Despite this, the committee has argued that the willingness should not only be exhibited when the committee intervenes but should be standard protocol," Mr Chabane said. Also, the committee highlighted that there is a need to strengthen internal controls to prevent fraudulent marriages from happening.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HOME AFFAIRS, MR MOSA CHABANE.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the Committee's Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za