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ActionSA welcomes the launch of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum as a crucial step in addressing the deep-rooted corruption plaguing the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority. For too long, corruption has compromised border security, enabled criminal syndicates, and undermined the rule of law.

While recent dismissals and prosecutions in these institutions are noted, isolated actions are not enough. Corruption within the Department of Home Affairs has allowed illegal immigrants to infiltrate the system with impunity, with criminals buying fraudulent residency and even citizenship. This not only undermines the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system but is unsustainable and comes at the direct expense of bona fide South Africans who rely on state services and economic opportunities.

Lasting change demands systemic reforms, strict enforcement, and an actionable commitment to accountability. The Border Management Authority must be fully resourced to prevent, detect, and eliminate corruption effectively.

A robust anti-corruption strategy must include:

• A Dedicated Anti-Corruption Institution – A Chapter 9 entity with full investigative and prosecutorial powers, free from political interference.
• Technological Safeguards – AI-driven adjudication for travel authorisations and secure digital identity systems to curb human discretion and bribery.
• Specialised Anti-Corruption Courts – A stronger NPA with dedicated courts to expedite cases and impose harsh penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences and permanent bans from public office.

Prevention is as critical as prosecution. Government must ensure that anti-corruption measures are proactive, transparent, and immune to political manipulation. ActionSA will closely monitor this forum’s progress and push for legislative reforms to eradicate corruption, protect law-abiding citizens, and restore the integrity of our borders. The time to Put South Africa First and rebuild our society, restore, and enforce the rule of law has never been more pressing than now.

Issued by ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip Lerato Ngobeni