Corruption and fraud devalue SA’s official documents: Minister

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Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber says he wants to position this department as an engine for economic growth. In his budget vote speech in Parliament today, Schreiber says Home Affairs is critical to creating jobs.

On the matter of officials within the department facilitating corruption, he says criminal action will be taken against anyone found liable of this. Schreiber says corruption and fraud devalues South Africa’s official documents.

He intends meeting with the Irish Ambassador to understand to which extent widespread corruption in the country influenced its decision that South Africans now require a visa to visit that country.

The minister said combatting illegal immigration to South Africa is central to national security. He said South Africa cannot be allowed to lose control over its borders and internal security.

To this end, Home Affairs will step up inspections to restaurants, spaza shops, farms and mines by over 50%.

He says this must be done in collaboration with other departments.

Schreiber also called on the portfolio committee to assist the department in bringing various departments together.

Earlier in the month spoke of future plans for the department: