Chidimma Adetshina says she was born in South Africa and seeks reinstatement of citizenship as Home Affairs pursues deportation; judgment postponed to Feb 2027.
Protests, arrests and heavy repatriation costs highlight limits of South Africa’s deportation effort as officials launch a new ETA digital system.
Home Affairs has dismissed 65 officials and suspended 16 since July 2024 as an SIU probe into sold visas, permits and identity documents continues.
From August 2026 naturalised citizens and some permanent residents can apply for Smart ID cards through eHomeAffairs, DHA offices or participating banks. Phase 2 dates unannounced.
South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation system has processed 216,204 applications and rejected 6,126 fraudulent attempts using biometric checks and risk analysis.
Standard Bank and Home Affairs have expanded Smart ID services to selected bank branches, allowing customers to apply for Smart ID cards and replacements in branch.
Home Affairs has spent R292 million on repatriation and has written to Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia seeking reimbursement, the department told MPs.
Home Affairs says it spent R292 million on unfunded repatriations and has written to Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia seeking reimbursement for transport and processing costs.
Home Affairs reports a 61% drop in system downtime, cutting lost working hours from 35,426 to 13,867 in 2025/26 after network and application upgrades.
Amanda Shaw posted a viral video claiming Home Affairs officials offered R150 to skip the queue while she applied for her children’s passports in Port Elizabeth.