Home Affairs Cleans House: Corrupt Officials Shown the Door in Bold Anti-Graft Drive

Five more officials dismissed as corruption crackdown deepens

In what’s shaping up to be one of the most aggressive clean-up campaigns in the public service this decade, the Department of Home Affairs has fired five more officials for corruption and misconduct, bringing the total to a staggering 38 dismissals in just 12 months.

The offences range from fraud to sexual harassment, and it’s not just internal procedures anymore. Eight of the axed employees are already behind bars, serving sentences of up to 18 years, and 19 more are still facing criminal charges.

This isn’t a gentle slap on the wrist, it’s a firm boot out the door.

Minister Schreiber Isn’t Playing Games

Newly appointed Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber has made one thing clear: the days of impunity are over.

“I repeat my warning to anyone involved in corruption,” he said in a recent statement. “The days of defrauding this Department, or committing acts of sexual harassment or abuse while relying on long drawn-out disciplinary processes, are over.”

His tone is no-nonsense, and so is his strategy. Just a few weeks ago, two Home Affairs officials were arrested in Durban alongside three members of the public in connection with a passport syndicate bust.

For a department often criticised as being sluggish and overwhelmed by red tape, this recent wave of accountability is a stark departure and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Social Media Reacts: “It’s About Time”

On social media, reactions to the news were swift and largely supportive.

“Finally! Home Affairs needs to be about service, not self-enrichment,” posted one user on X (formerly Twitter).
“Hope this cleanup goes beyond just junior staff,” another user replied, reflecting public concern that senior officials often escape scrutiny.

Some South Africans, though, remain sceptical, arguing that firings alone aren’t enough without systemic reform and stronger whistleblower protections.

The Bigger Picture: Fighting Institutional Decay

Home Affairs is the face of government for many South Africans, the place where you get your ID, passport, birth certificate. But for years, it’s also been associated with long queues, lost paperwork, and quiet corruption.

Minister Schreiber’s crackdown seems designed to change that image. It’s part of a broader push to professionalise the department and rebuild public trust, especially as the digital ID and biometric verification systems roll out nationwide.

This signals a potentially transformative moment for Home Affairs, if the momentum is sustained.

A New Chapter for Home Affairs?

Schreiber ended his update with gratitude for the “diligent officials” who helped accelerate the disciplinary process.

“Committed officials like these are the future of Home Affairs,” he said, invoking the department’s internal slogan: #TeamHomeAffairs.

While slogans don’t clean up corruption, actions like these send a message: this department is no longer a safe haven for crooked officials.

South Africans have seen enough hollow promises. But if Home Affairs can continue to match words with accountability and maintain this pace, we may just be witnessing the start of a department reborn.

{Source: IOL}

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