The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.
As South Africans look ahead to the 2026 State of the Nation Address, the Democratic Alliance (DA) expects the Department of Home Affairs to feature prominently, because it is one of the few departments of 32 National Government Departments able to point to measurable progress in reforming service delivery and supporting economic growth.
In fact, the Department of Home Affairs is able to claim significant progress this year, fundamentally overhauling South Africa’s citizenship, immigration and refugee protection system - the literal foundation of the State - in a way that has even won the support of our coalition partners.
The DA expects SONA 2026 to reflect advances made by Home Affairs under Minister Leon Schreiber in clearing long-standing visa and permit backlogs, cutting down illegal border crossing attempts, expanding visa schemes, and rolling out digital systems aimed at reducing red tape while strengthening security.
Key developments that should feature in the President’s address include the historic visa backlog being almost entirely completed, the implementation and expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, as well as the continued rollout of the Trusted Employer and Trusted Tour Operator schemes, which support tourism, investment, and job creation.
The DA also expects progress on integrating Home Affairs services into bank branches and digital platforms to be highlighted, as this has the potential to bring services closer to communities while reducing pressure on frontline offices. It is a significant credit to Minister Schreiber that numerous bank branches will soon host Home Affairs services, making them easily accessible, shortening waiting times, and ending a culture of taking days of leave to queue at government buildings.
These bank-branch developments come in addition to numerous news Home Affairs offices and service centres opened by Minister Schreiber, including the latest announcement of one coming to the Cape Town Civic Centre – across the road from the transport hub that is Cape Town Station.
Equally important is the replacement of the green ID book and the rollout of secure digital identity systems to protect the integrity of the National Population Register and combat identity fraud. The delivery of Smart ID cards is now at its highest ever level, with more delivered in 2025 than any previous year, under Minister Schreiber.
The DA welcome these developments, and we hope that SONA will go beyond announcing platforms and pilot projects in general. Visions and plans only take South Africa so far – but real delivery of change and progress is what matters.
In short, we expect to hear about:
- Clearing the visa and permit backlog,
- Cutting illegal border crossing attempts in half,
- Launching the groundbreaking Electronic Travel Authorisation system,
- Massively expanding bank-branch access to Home Affairs services,
- Launching new Home Affairs offices and service centres, and
- Delivering the highest number of Smart ID cards in one year.
The DA will continue to support Home Affairs’ reform agenda and make sure that it translates into real, measurable improvements on the ground.
Issued by Adrian Roos MP - DA Spokesperson on Home Affairs
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE ARTICLE ENQUIRY FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
