Home Affairs Vows to Clean Up Corruption and Slash Queues

During the presentation of the Department of Home Affairs’ annual performance plan to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Director-General Livhuwani Mkhode stated that the department’s recent dismissal of two senior managers is evidence that the department is on the right track in tackling corrupt officials. However, committee members cautioned that the department must do more and requested that it create a clear and actionable plan to eliminate corruption within the department. The committee also urged the department to address long queues at their offices nationwide.

According to SAnews, committee chairperson Mosa Chabane informed the department’s delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza, that MPs were aware of what was happening on the ground and that queues remained prevalent throughout the country. Nzuza stated that the department is constitutionally obligated to serve all citizens, no matter where they live, and assured the committee that it prioritises providing services to remote rural communities. Nzuza also mentioned that the department had prioritised the construction of new, modernised offices for areas like Lusikisiki, Umthatha and KwaDukuza.

The committee also heard that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which attended the meeting, is all set for the 2024 General Elections and will take an extensive educational campaign to reach all South Africans in the election. In addition, two registration weekends allow unregistered citizens to register and participate in the elections. The IEC also requested the committee to amend the Political Party Funding Act to bring independent candidates within the scope of the Bill.

Committee members welcomed the presentations made by the National Treasury, Border Management Authority and the Government Printing Works concerning their cooperation with the Department of Home Affairs and the IEC. Chabane promised the Deputy Minister that the committee is committed to facilitating the smooth functioning of all stakeholders under its watch.

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