Investigators found that a small network of Home Affairs officials exploited systemic weaknesses, processing fraudulent applications in exchange for bribes and enriching themselves through an underground trade in visas.
The SIU has traced more than $11 million in illicit gains linked to manipulated or falsified visa applications. Fake employment records, fabricated qualifications and forged supporting documents were routinely used to secure permits for individuals who would not ordinarily qualify.
Lebogang Ramafoko, Executive Director of Corruption Watch, told Channel Africa that while the findings are shocking, they confirm what citizens have long reported.
“Users of Home Affairs have repeatedly spoken about how bribery is the order of the day. The system is rigged against those who try to follow proper procedures,” she said, adding that this is not a case of isolated wrongdoing but evidence of a “collapse of a system completely”.
Ramafoko warned that corruption at Home Affairs undermines national security, the integrity of identity documents and confidence in SA’s immigration controls. “It means we do not know who is in SA. We may have criminals, people working under false pretences, or those able to exploit vulnerable communities. It tarnishes the country’s image and reverses the gains of being removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list,” she said.
Asked whether low salaries may be driving corruption, Ramafoko dismissed the idea. “It is corruption and greed. Officials turned Home Affairs into a place to run their own illicit business. The lack of oversight and lack of investment in modern systems make it easy to manipulate documentation,” she said.
She also stressed that lifestyle audits alone are insufficient without strong consequences, thorough forensic investigations and the capacity to trace illicit financial flows hidden through relatives, shell companies or manipulated accounts. “Every system needs checks and balances, especially one tied to state security. What allowed officials to run a fully fledged business for years without detection? Who turned a blind eye?” she asked.
Ramafoko said the SIU probe should mark a turning point, with urgent reforms needed to rebuild accountability, modernise systems and restore public trust.
