On 8 April 2025, the Department of Home Affairs announced the immediate dismissal of six officials. Six more were issued final written warnings due to various offences, including corruption and fraud.
In a quest to ramp up efforts to root out misconduct, the department has intensified its clean-up campaign. According to the department’s official statement, 33 officials have been dismissed since July 2024. Following the controversial story of Chiddima Adetshina, the fight against fraud and corruption intensifies at Home Affairs.
Chiddima Adetshina’s (Miss South Africa 2024 finalist) eligibility to be a contestant in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant competition has been questioned. This is amid scrutiny over her citizenship and heritage. Consequently, the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa set the record straight on Adetshina’s nationality.
In an investigation into Adetshina’s citizenship, the department found prima facie evidence. This suggested that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person listed as her mother in official records. This marked a significant escalation in the department’s crackdown on identity fraud.
Fight against fraud and corruption intensifies
The recent launch of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum has led to the latest dismissals of Home Affairs officials. Consequently, it has further strengthened cooperation between Home Affairs and other agencies.
Home Affairs is in cooperation with the Border Management Authority, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the Special Investigating Unit. These government agencies serve different purposes.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) is responsible for executing frontline border law enforcement functions related to immigration control, access control, and food security. Equally important are the land border infrastructure, border information, and risk management, among other things.
The authority intends to adapt and effectively respond to challenges and opportunities in the border environment while safeguarding South Africa’s borders.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) plays a significant role in criminal justice. Its core function is to prepare and conduct criminal prosecutions, which are initiated by police investigations.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is responsible for investigating serious allegations of corruption, maladministration, and malpractice in government institutions, state assets, and public money.
The SIU’s primary mandate is to recover financial losses suffered by these institutions through civil litigation. The SIU has the authority to take civil action to rectify any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations.
Minister vows continued action against corruption
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, says, ” The department will not rest until the dismissal of every last corrupt official. Delays will not be tolerated.”
The rapid progress made by the department, in cooperation with the SIU in combating corruption, shows the potential for swift progress in the fight against this scourge.”
The minister applauds the inter-departmental teams for their progress in removing corruption and state capture from Home Affairs. He urges remaining perpetrators to be aware that it is only a matter of time before they get caught and held accountable.
Since July 2024, 19 officials have been the subject of criminal prosecution. Eight officials have already been convicted and sentenced to prison.
What impact does fraud and corruption at Home Affairs have on victims?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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