Welcome to you all.

The Department of Home Affairs has noted the LRA/ACMS Report on corruption, with Marabastad Refugee Reception Office singled-out as the most corrupt. But we do feel there are weaknesses in the methodology they have used. That notwithstanding, we will not dismiss any voice that further amplifies the problems we’re confronted with.

I therefore thought it proper to convene this media briefing to share information particularly on measures we’re taking consistently and effectively to fight the scourge of fraud and corruption.

Indeed we had already acknowledged the existence of pockets of corruption and fraudulent activities in some of our offices, including at Marabastad. We have measures in place for rooting out these transgressions given their inherent potential to undermine all noble efforts to render an efficient service, and uphold rights of all clients.

There is an integrated multi-disciplinary response team dealing specifically with Marabastad, consisting of DHA, SSA, DPCI and SARS. It was set-up to attend to the challenges at Marabastad in a holistic manner. 30 officials were dismissed in the past two years at Marabastad.

We will do all in our power to uproot the twin evil of fraud and corruption within the public service. Our officials and persons found guilty of unethical, criminal conduct will continue facing, without fail, the full might of the law.

Working with law enforcement agencies and government departments in the justice and security cluster we are making serious inroads in this regard, as shown by recent arrests across the country, convictions and imprisonment for fraud and corruption.

Strategies and tactics we have adopted to strengthen our Counter-Corruption Unit, enabling it to prevent, detect and reduce instances of corruption, are bearing fruit.

Many culprits, within and outside our services, had been brought to book for various acts of fraud and corruption. I therefore stand here very grateful and indeed proud of the work that the Unit has done as this will go a long way in improving efficiencies and service quality.  

The DHA Modernization Project and technological innovations are also assisting greatly in curbing fraud and corruption in the system. 

The changes we’ve made in immigration law and regulations, including measures for preventing abductions and human trafficking should be seen also in this light, ensuring effective, secured management, and zero-tolerance for corruption.

We’re streamlining all processes at various offices nationwide, including through the leadership programme we’ve recently launched – the Moetapele Initiative.

I want to reiterate our department’s commitment relentlessly to fight against corruption wherever it rears its ugly head.

Going-forward, drastic counter-corruption measures will be sustained, with more arrests expected as a result of successful investigations conducted by our unit, working in collaboration the various law enforcement agencies.

To consolidate our efforts, I’m launching a counter-corruption project – Operation Bvisa Masina – isiVenda for “throw out the rot.” We’re bent on cleaning the rot.

There is no place for corrupt officials at Home Affairs. We have room only for an official that is service-oriented, professional, competent, committed, ethical and incorruptible.

Between April 2015 and July 2015 various project-driven investigations have resulted in 8 arrests, 5 of which were of DHA officials and 3 non-officials, as follows:

• A Pakistani national was arrested for various immigration violations and bribery of Home Affairs officials at Byron’s, BVR and ORTIA
• A Byron Office official was arrested for taking a bribe in exchange for assisting an illegal immigrant
• An official was arrested for ID fraud at Eshowe
• An official was arrested for selling fake Unabridged Birth Certificates to foreigners in Nongoma
• An official and two members of the public were arrested for ID fraud at Umngeni office
• An official at Maseru Bridge was arrested for illegal stamping of passport.

Four arrests are pending at BVR Building and ORTIA.

The following are finalised trials at court:

• Ms. P Dyonase, at Port Elizabeth (PE) Commercial Crimes Court, was yesterday sentenced to 11 years imprisonment of which 3 were suspended, for fraud and corruption relating to Subsistence &Travel (S&T) allowance.
• Mr. S Skosana, at PE Commercial Crimes Court, was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment 2 of which were suspended and was ordered by the court to pay back R45 000 to the Department. He is now assisting the state in the case against other officials implicated in the same offence of S&T fraud.
• Mr.  Molotsi, at Gauteng Regional Court, was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 4 years, during which period he will be under house-arrest for manipulating Temporary Residence Permit processes.
• Ms. S Zungu was sentenced, at Melmorth, to 6 years direct imprisonment for selling fraudulent birth certificates to foreigners.

Coming to pending sentencing, four officials were found guilty at the Garankuwa Magistrate Court for fraud and corruption involving marriages. [Mr. C Lekgau, Mr. ME Madumo, Mr. MJ Tlhabanelo and Ms. CS Khage]

Regarding internal disciplinary outcomes, 285 officials were dismissed since 2011 to date.

We are making breakthroughs also in the Integrated Ongoing Law Enforcement Projects. There are 45 cases pending criminal investigation at Immigration. An internal disciplinary process is underway, the officials had violated the permitting process.

Project Photo involves foreign nationals engaged in human trafficking and violating immigration, ID and other RSA legislation.

The other project is the multi-disciplinary response team at Marabastad, I had alluded to.

There are also challenges, including:

• Dedicated NPA Prosecution team for DHA cases
• Territorial jurisdiction
• Inconsistent sentencing by the courts for similar offences: comprehension of the impact of these offences on national security and the implementation of development programmes by government.

Clearly, we’re cleaning the rot, and crime does not pay.

My message to foreign nationals is that we offer asylum seeker services free of charge. They are urged therefore to reject all forms of bribery.

Lastly, we will not rest until we “throw out the rot” from our system, by dealing decisively with fraud and corruption and those found guilty of such offences.

Thank you.