Home Affairs Declares War on Corruption with New Anti-Corruption Forum

In a strong and uncompromising message, Schreiber said, “Officials involved in corrupt activities will face the full might of the law. Our message also makes it clear that we apply the rule of law without fear or favour.”

The Department of Home Affairs, under the leadership of Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, has declared an intensified war against corruption and fraud within its ranks and across the country's borders. Speaking during the official launch of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) in Pretoria, Schreiber pledged that the department will pursue corrupt officials relentlessly, leaving “no stone unturned” in the effort to restore credibility and integrity.

In a strong and uncompromising message, Schreiber said, “Officials involved in corrupt activities will face the full might of the law. Our message also makes it clear that we apply the rule of law without fear or favour.”

Systemic Reform at the Core

Schreiber emphasized that long-term change will only come through systemic reform. As part of this effort, the department is undertaking a comprehensive digital transformation aimed at closing the loopholes that enable fraud and manipulation.

“We are committed to the kind of systems reform that will close the space for discretion, which enables fraud and corruption in the first place,” he stated.

According to the Minister, one of the cornerstones of this transformation is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning into immigration processes. This includes the replacement of outdated, vulnerable paper-based visa systems with a secure Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform. Similarly, the traditional green ID book is being phased out in favour of more secure smart IDs and digital identity systems.

“Paper documents are being replaced by secure digital documents. No more papers that can go missing or be manipulated. No more photo-swopping on green ID books. No more bribing an immigration officer to manipulate an outcome—because you cannot bribe a computer and an electronic gate,” Schreiber added.

The department is also working on the automation of entry-and-exit processes at all ports of entry, further reducing opportunities for human interference and fraud.

Institutional Accountability and Human Resources Overhaul

In addition to technological upgrades, Schreiber revealed that the department is finalizing the appointment of a permanent Deputy Director-General for Human Resources, a strategic post aimed at rooting out internal corruption.

“It is my expectation that this person will further intensify our quest to rid Home Affairs of the bad apples,” said Schreiber.

The Minister also praised growing cooperation among key institutions, crediting inter-agency collaboration with improving efforts to clean up the department and the Border Management Authority (BMA).

Broad-Based Support for the Forum

The launch of the BMIACF has drawn support from South Africa’s top anti-corruption and law enforcement institutions. Advocate Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), underscored the urgency of dismantling criminal networks that exploit South Africa’s borders for illegal transit and operations.

“We need law enforcement agencies that serve the public and put an end to these criminal activities,” Batohi asserted. She acknowledged that significant progress has been made over the past five years, but stressed that the battle against corruption remains ongoing.

Advocate Andy Mothibi, Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), described the forum as a “strategic intervention” in the country’s broader anti-corruption campaign.

“The BMIACF fosters collaboration between various stakeholders, each bringing their own mandates and expertise. This will accelerate the investigation and resolution of corruption allegations,” Mothibi said, reiterating the SIU’s full support for the forum.

Specialized Framework for Action

The BMIACF will operate through a steering committee tasked with coordinating initiatives, monitoring progress, and ensuring alignment across partner institutions. It will be supported by subcommittees specializing in four core areas:

• Prevention

• Detection

• Investigation

• Implementation of Consequence Management

This structure is intended to create a more agile and responsive framework for addressing corruption and closing the loopholes in immigration and border management, sectors long identified as vulnerable to fraud, bribery, and abuse of power.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Schreiber is confident that the sweeping reforms under way will usher in a “systems revolution” that not only enhances operational efficiency but also strengthens the rule of law and public trust in Home Affairs.

“These efforts are not symbolic—they’re practical, technological, and institutional. We are determined to ensure that the corrupt no longer find refuge within our systems,” Schreiber concluded.

With the launch of the BMIACF and the ongoing digitization of key services, the Department of Home Affairs appears poised to turn a new page—one where accountability, transparency, and innovation lead the way.