Home Affairs Fires 5 More Officials Amid Expanding Anti-Corruption Drive

In a firm demonstration of its zero-tolerance stance toward misconduct, the Department of Home Affairs announced this week the immediate dismissal of five more officials for serious offences including fraud and sexual assault. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a significant milestone in the department’s ongoing internal crackdown on corruption and abuse.

With these latest dismissals, the total number of officials removed from their positions between July 2024 and July 2025 has reached 38, according to an official statement released by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The disciplinary action is part of a broader strategy to restore integrity and public trust in one of South Africa’s most critical public institutions.

Stepping Up the Fight Against Internal Crime

The ministry reported that of the 38 dismissed officials, eight have already been convicted and sentenced, with prison terms ranging from four to 18 years, while criminal proceedings are underway against another 19. These figures underline the seriousness of the charges and the government’s readiness to hold individuals accountable not only administratively but also through the judicial system.

These actions follow high-profile incidents such as the recent passport syndicate bust in Durban, where two Home Affairs officials and three members of the public were arrested for their role in orchestrating fraudulent documentation. That case is being described as a turning point in the ministry’s broader campaign to root out syndicates both within and outside the department.

Minister Schreiber: “The Era of Impunity Is Over”

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, who has spearheaded these reforms since taking office, issued a stern warning to remaining bad actors within the department:

“In just 12 months, we have already rid Home Affairs of 38 crooked and delinquent officials. I repeat my warning to anyone involved in corruption: the days of defrauding this department or committing acts of sexual harassment or abuse while relying on long drawn-out disciplinary processes are over.”

Dr Schreiber highlighted the success of the department’s newly streamlined disciplinary and investigative protocols, designed to ensure swift justice while maintaining procedural fairness. His statement signals a clear departure from the bureaucratic inertia that had previously hampered accountability efforts.

Recognizing Integrity Within

Amid the crackdown, the minister also took the opportunity to praise honest and diligent employees within the department, many of whom have played key roles in flagging misconduct, cooperating with investigations, and expediting internal disciplinary measures.

“Committed officials like these are the future of Home Affairs, as we continue to work together as #TeamHomeAffairs to clean out the corrupt elements that represent the past,” said Schreiber.

This new generation of civil servants is being hailed as essential to the reformation of Home Affairs into a department defined by efficiency, professionalism, and public trust.

A Culture Shift Underway

The growing number of dismissals and prosecutions reflects a systemic culture shift within the department. Historically plagued by corruption, identity theft, and bribery scandals, Home Affairs is now actively working to rebuild its reputation by demonstrating visible accountability and tightening security and vetting mechanisms.

The department has also intensified its collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to ensure that corruption cases do not end at dismissal but are taken to court wherever possible.

Public Confidence Begins to Rebuild

Civil society organizations and public watchdogs have cautiously welcomed the developments, noting that visible action and high-level accountability are critical to reversing the department’s long-standing reputational damage. Analysts suggest that continued consistency in this anti-corruption campaign could serve as a model for other government departments similarly plagued by malfeasance.

As the department vows to maintain this momentum, public expectations are rising for further transparency, protection of whistleblowers, and eventual reform of administrative systems vulnerable to abuse.

The Road Ahead

While the dismissals are encouraging, experts caution that sustainable reform requires institutional safeguards, including robust oversight mechanisms, regular audits, and transparency in recruitment and promotions. The Ministry has indicated it is working on a comprehensive integrity management framework to institutionalize ethics and prevent misconduct at all levels.

In the words of Minister Schreiber:

“This is only the beginning. We are determined to build a Home Affairs that every South African can be proud of.”