The Department of Home Affairs has dismissed 20 officials since April last year following an investigation into corruption and maladministration uncovered by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The probe, spanning nearly two decades, highlights systemic weaknesses and abuse within the department.
The investigation, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 154 of 2024, covers the period from October 2004 to February 2024. According to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, the findings reflect longstanding governance challenges inherited from previous administrations.
Since April last year, disciplinary processes have led to 20 dismissals. Over the past two financial years, 75 disciplinary cases have concluded, resulting in 16 suspensions without pay and 22 written warnings. Measures are also underway to prevent former officials facing criminal proceedings from being re-employed elsewhere in government while their cases are unresolved.
Fraudulent Visas and Exploited Loopholes
The SIU uncovered that more than 2,000 study visas were fraudulently issued through syndicates operating within Home Affairs. Administrative steps are in progress to cancel these visas, and future applications linked to the same individuals will be scrutinised to prevent further irregularities. Perpetrators may face deportation or prosecution.
The investigation revealed that most of the misconduct was allegedly carried out by a small number of officials who exploited loopholes in the manual visa process. This allowed them to inflict significant financial and administrative damage. The Minister urged the National Prosecuting Authority to prioritise criminal referrals arising from the probe.
Financial Implications and High-Profile Cases
The SIU’s interim report details extensive financial irregularities, including four officials earning less than R25,000 per month receiving a combined R16.3 million in deposits linked to visa and permit approvals. Overall, fraudulent visa beneficiaries reportedly gained more than R181 million using falsified documentation.
High-profile cases highlighted by the investigation include the approval of Shepherd Bushiri’s Permanent Residence Permit by an adjudicator affiliated with his church, which raised serious conflict-of-interest concerns. Another case involved Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was granted a ministerial waiver after his visa renewal had been denied for non-compliance.
The SIU described the immigration system as having been treated as a commodity, with permits and visas “sold, traded, and laundered,” underscoring deep-rooted corruption that the department is now working to address.
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