WATCH | Millions, mansions & fake visas: Home Affairs corruption laid bare

Leon Schreiber

Cape Town – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has released an interim report uncovering widespread visa maladministration spanning two decades, from 2004 to 2024, prompting renewed pledges from government to tighten oversight and accelerate reforms at the Department of Home Affairs.

The investigation, authorised by Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation 154 of 2024, covers the period between 12 October 2004 and 16 February 2024. According to the SIU, the findings point to systemic corruption, conflicts of interest and the manipulation of largely manual visa processes.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber on Monday welcomed the findings, saying they reflect “the state of Home Affairs inherited by the seventh administration”.

“I welcome the SIU’s interim report on visa maladministration over a 20 year period between 2004 and 2024. Over the past 20 months, we’ve made major strides holding corruption to account and driving digital transformation to close systemic loopholes. Rebuilding the rule of law,” Schreiber said.

He confirmed that 20 officials have been dismissed since April last year as part of disciplinary processes linked to corruption and maladministration uncovered by the SIU.

Aording to reports, Over the past two financial years, 75 disciplinary cases have been finalised, resulting in 16 suspensions without pay and 22 written warnings. Disciplinary processes against all implicated individuals remain ongoing.

Schreiber said he had requested the Director-General to engage the Department of Public Service and Administration and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to ensure that former officials facing criminal proceedings are not re-employed elsewhere in the state while cases are pending.

Among the most serious findings, the SIU revealed that more than 2,000 study visas were fraudulently issued through syndicates operating within Home Affairs. Administrative processes are under way to cancel those visas, while any subsequent visas obtained by the same individuals will be ringfenced to ensure that irregularly obtained documents are withdrawn and perpetrators deported or prosecuted where necessary.

The SIU reported that four officials earning less than R25,000 per month received a combined R16.3 million in direct deposits linked to visa and permit approvals. Investigators also traced financial gains exceeding R181 million associated with beneficiaries of fraudulent visa applications supported by fake documentation.

In one high-profile matter, the SIU found that Shepherd Bushiri’s permanent residence permit was approved by an adjudicator who was a member of his church, describing it as a clear conflict of interest. Investigators also raised concerns about USD 1.2 million paid in cash linked to proof of financial independence.

In a separate case, Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso was found to have been unlawfully granted a ministerial waiver after his visa renewal had been denied for non-compliance.

The SIU described the immigration system as having been treated as a commodity, with permits and visas “sold, traded, and laundered”. Schreiber said one of the most extraordinary findings was that “the bulk of the malfeasance was allegedly committed by a handful of officials” who exploited systemic loopholes.

He urged the National Prosecuting Authority to prioritise criminal referrals arising from the investigation as part of efforts to restore the rule of law within the department.

Further updates are expected once the SIU concludes its probe and releases its final report.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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