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Identity
N West legislature urges voters to collect IDs for voter registration weekend
N West legislature urges voters to collect IDs for voter registration weekend
The North West Provincial Legislature Deputy Speaker, Linah Miga, has encouraged voters across the province to collect their identity documents (IDs) at various offices of the Department of Home Affairs for voter registration weekend on 18 and 19 November 2023.
This follows the establishment of the North West Provincial Home Affairs Stakeholder Forum, which serves as a mechanism for ensuring collaborations in addressing services related to the Department of Home Affairs.
“Through engagements at this forum, it came to light that there are thousands of ID smart cards that have not been collected from the various district offices of the Department of Home Affairs,” said Miga.
Citing the provincial report on uncollected IDs in the North West, Miga said there are 26 863 smart IDs in 15 district offices, as well as 684 green ID books that are still yet to be collected as of 6 November 2023.
“Considering that a lower voter turnout was reported in the past elections, particularly in the North West, the legislature wishes to plead with all communities to visit the Home Affairs offices in their areas for collection of smart IDs.
“The call to action is made urgent by the fact that voter registration for the 2024 general elections is scheduled for 18 and 19 November 2023 in the various stations across the country including the province.
“It is, therefore, imperative for those who have not collected IDs to do so to embrace and honour their right to vote in the coming General Elections,” Miga said.
The Provincial Home Affairs Stakeholders Forum encourages communities to visit their voting stations from 7:00 and 17:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
“I further plead the citizens of the North West province to go in numbers and register to vote because it is your right.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 10:13
67 views
Blockchain as a tool for Entrepreneurs
South Africa, 15 November 2023 – The debate around blockchain technology and the future is almost as old as blockchain itself. Ever since this innovative technology first emerged, it became abundantly clear that its potential goes far beyond merely supporting cryptocurrencies. It has the power to revolutionise the way people conduct financial transactions, and as …
Fighting the harmful effects of alcohol
Fighting the harmful effects of alcohol
By Dr Ntombifuthi Nala
Many South Africans thrive on celebrations, whether it is a national accomplishment such as winning the Rugby World Cup, or a personal achievement such as passing an exam. These celebrations are often accompanied with dancing, singing and of course alcohol.
While alcohol is a means of celebrations and enjoyment, it can be open to misuse or abuse that can lead to the destruction of lives.
Every year the lives of 3 million individuals are lost due to alcohol, representing 5 per cent of all deaths. This is worrisome in South Africa where alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive substance and high levels of binge drinking and associated harms prevail.
In characterising the challenge, Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, stated that “alcohol is one of the most abused substances that causes the most harm to the most people in our country”.
Alcohol abuse not only harms the health of an individual by affecting their vital organs and increasing susceptibility to life threatening diseases, it also jeopardises the safety, well-being and lives of others.
In searching out solutions to reduce alcohol-related harms and best practices for regulating alcohol, South Africa recently hosted the Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC).
This is the first time that the conference was held in Africa, which brought together policy makers, academics, representatives of community-based organisations and NGOs from across the globe.
The conference made strong inroads in the formulation of a global alcohol policy that protects children and vulnerable adults. It also engaged on how further the regulation of alcohol marketing could help fight the abuse of alcohol.
During the conference Minister Zulu committed to reviewing the Liquor Amendment Bill which seeks to strengthen regulations on alcohol trading, marketing and sales. The bill put forward strong interventions which includes increasing the legal age of drinking to 21 and introducing an increased radius limitation for the trade of alcohol around educational and religious institutions. It also places liability on alcohol retailers and manufacturers for harm resulting from contravening regulations.
These proposals are important in advancing our fight against alcoholism, particularly in curbing access for young people as one in three teenagers are addicted to drugs and alcohol in our country.
The plight of underage drinking and non-compliance with alcohol-related laws were recently brought to the fore at the Enyobeni tavern tragedy that resulted in the loss of 21 young lives.
In strengthening our efforts to address the challenges caused by alcohol and substance abuse in the country, the Department of Social Development has drafted a policy framework on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders, which will soon be gazetted for public comment. Cabinet also recommended an inter-Ministerial Committee for prevention, reduction and treatment strategies for alcohol and substance abuse.
Whilst government strives to reduce alcohol-related harms by reinforcing our laws and developing new strategies, we urge South Africans to be responsible citizens by adhering to current legislation.
The National Liquor Act prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, which calls for the co-operation of parents, community members, and liquor outlets to ensure that alcohol is not sold to children.
Establishments with liquor licences must perform verification checks against identity documents to ensure a person is of the legal age to consume alcohol. These checks are essential, especially as pens down parties, rage festivals and a host of social gatherings will occur as exams come to an end and the festive season approaches.
South Africans are urged to act responsibly this festive season should they choose to consume alcohol, and to always say no to the use of drugs. Excessive alcohol intake is widely linked to an increase in accidents, violent behaviour, fights and domestic violence.
Alcohol abuse is one of the main contributors to crime, especially gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. We ought to make it our duty to report incidents of GBVF, alcohol–related and other crimes, to law enforcement authorities.
Reducing alcohol-related harms requires the combined efforts of everyone. When we do our part by practising responsible drinking and adhering to our laws, we can celebrate without putting our health, safety and the lives of others at risk.
*Dr Ntombifuthi Nala, Director: Research and Knowledge Management at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Janine
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 14:24
398 views
Kariega parents battle to keep “beacon of hope” farm school
The education department wants to close Amanzi Primary School because it only has 114 learners
White Paper set to overhaul migration system, says Motsoaledi
White Paper set to overhaul migration system, says Motsoaledi
Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says the recently published White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection contains radical proposals that are aimed at overhauling the migration system in South Africa.
Cabinet approved the White Paper on Wednesday, 1 November 2023 for public comment. It was published in the Government Gazette No. 49661 on 10 November 2023, after what Motsoaledi described as a “painstaking exercise of drafting”.
The draft policy aims to provide a framework to guide the granting of residency and citizenship to foreign nationals, as well as the protection of refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa, cognisant of the Republic’s national security interests and in compliance with international agreements and protocols on migration that South Africa is party to.
“There have been consistent loud voices calling for effective policy measures and legislative interventions dealing with migration in South Africa.
“South Africa has different pieces of legislation dealing with citizenship, immigration and refugee protection, namely the Citizenship Act, Immigration Act and Refugees Act, as amended.
“In practice, these pieces of legislation are not in harmony with each other. Piecemeal amendments were made without any policy framework whatsoever,” Motsoaledi said at a briefing in Pretoria on Sunday.
Key proposals
Motsoaledi said one of the chief proposals in the White Paper is that the government of the Republic of South Africa must review and/or withdraw from the 1951 United Nations Refugees Convention (“1951 Convention”) and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees (“1967 Protocol”), with a view to accede to them with reservations like other countries.
“The refugee protection and immigration legislation must provide for reservations and exceptions, as contained in the 1951 Convention and the 1969 OAU [Organisation of African Unity -- now AU] Convention, particularly in that South Africa does not have the resources to grant the socio-economic rights envisaged in the 1951 Convention,” the Minister said.
He explained that the current citizenship legislation has its roots in the 1949 Citizenship Act (“1949 Act”) and other relevant successive laws governing citizenship.
He said the 1949 Act and other relevant laws were not only discriminatory on the basis of race and sex but the “natives” (black people) were totally excluded from the South African citizenship regime.
“The South African Citizenship Act provides for three main forms of citizenship, namely, citizenship by birth, citizenship by descent and citizenship by naturalisation,” Motsoaledi said.
The Minister said the Citizenship Act and Births and Deaths Registration Act must be repealed in their entirely and be included in the single legislation dealing with citizenship, immigration and refugee protection.
“This will remove contradictions and loopholes in the paths towards citizenship, as is now the case with the three pieces of legislation. The criteria for granting any form of citizenship must be strictly in accordance with the law.
“A proper register should be kept for all persons granted citizenship by naturalisation by the Minister. The register must be tabled every year in Parliament by the Minister,” Motsoaledi said.
Immigration
The Minister said South Africa is a great place to live in and many people in the world aspire to live, work or to be citizens of South Africa.
“[As a] result, many foreign nationals come to South Africa and stay in the country illegally. No one can account for all undocumented migrants. The Department of Home Affairs has no idea as to how many illegal immigrants are in South Africa.
“However, Immigration Services deports between 15 000 - 20 000 illegal foreigners every year at a huge cost. This number is on the increase.
“The establishment of the Border Management Authority (BMA) should significantly reduce the risk of foreigners entering the country illegally,” the Minister said.
Motsoaledi said the Border Management Authority Act must be reviewed to align it with Immigration and Citizenship new policy framework.
“The policy framework must provide for the establishment of the Advisory Board, which comprises representatives of the Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition, Labour and Employment, Tourism, South African Police Service, South African Revenue Service, Education, International Relations & Cooperation, Defence & Military Veterans and Director-General of the DHA [Department of Home Affairs].
“The Board must also comprise representatives of organised labour, including four individuals on the grounds of expertise in administration, regulatory matters or immigration law, control, adjudication and enforcement, appointed by the Minister.
“Policy and legislative interventions are required to tighten the procedures and strengthening the monitoring capacity by introducing integrated IT systems capable of flagging fraudulent activities in the issuing of visas, identity documents, marriage certificates and passports.
“This includes giving wide statutory powers to the existing Anti-Corruption Unit within the DHA,” the Minister said.
Motsoaledi said the new policy must provide that members of the Anti-Corruption Unit should be seconded from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The rationale being that members of the SAPS enjoy wide statutory powers, including search and arrest without a warrant,” the Minister said.
New legislation, Motsoaledi said, must be introduced to strengthen the powers of immigration officers and Inspectorate, and make continuing training compulsory. The majority of members of the Inspectorate must have legal qualifications and policing experience. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 13:02
92 views
Home Affairs extends hours ahead of Voter Registration Weekend
Home Affairs extends hours ahead of Voter Registration Weekend
To ensure that citizens are able to collect their IDs and passports ahead of the upcoming Voter Registration Weekend, Home Affairs offices will open this coming Saturday, 11 November 2023.
“The service to be rendered on 11 November 2023 is exclusively the collection of smart ID cards and passports,” said the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on Thursday.
Home Affairs offices will be open from 8am until 1 pm. This as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)’s Voter Registration Weekend will be held from 18-19 November 2023.
To register to vote, you need a South African identity document – either a green barcoded ID book, an ID smartcard, or a valid temporary ID certificate.
According to the commission, all South African citizens aged 16 years or older can register to vote, but to vote you need to be 18 years or older.
In addition, to ease pressure on its clients, Home Affairs has introduced dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process Smart ID Cards and passports, where space allows. This will help in reducing queues.
Clients can now book collection appointments before visiting the offices, using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) which is available on the DHA website – www.dha.gov.za through this link: https://services.dha.gov.za/#/authenticate/identity.
The department also allows clients who may not have an opportunity to book appointments to visit as walk-ins and will be assisted to collect their IDs and passports.
ID services will also be available at all Home Affairs offices during the Voter Registration Weekend of 18 and 19 November 2023.
In this regard, operating hours at Home Affairs offices will be aligned with those of the IEC in order to assist voters who need to collect the IDs they have applied for or to apply for Temporary Identification Certificates.
With these documents, eligible voters will be able to register for the 2024 national and provincial elections. Temporary Identification Certificates are issued on the spot.
“We would like to urge all our clients who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more, to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents at their convenience on Saturday 11 November 2023 or on the weekend of 18-19 November 2023,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/09/2023 - 11:58
424 views
South Africans play a greater role in becoming scam victims than they care to admit
South Africans play a greater role in becoming scam victims than they care to admit The South African fraud landscape is becoming increasingly risky as fraudsters and scammers look to target individuals with highly sophisticated scams in an environment where it is becoming increasingly difficult for lawmakers and authorities to bring these criminals to justice. …
Register to vote
Register to vote
All eligible voters are encouraged to go to and check their voter registration status when the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) holds its first voter registration weekend.
The registration weekend will be held on 18 and 19 November 2023 ahead of the General Elections next year.
Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said: “Cabinet is calling on all eligible voters to register to vote in the 2024 General Elections at your nearest voting stations.”
The Minister said online voter registration has already commenced, with citizens urged to make use of the online facility to register or update their details.
“South Africans, who have applied for their IDs, are encouraged to visit their local Home Affairs office to collect them. There are more than 500 000 smart ID cards still to be collected at Home Affairs offices across the country,” she said.
The IEC has said that some 22 300 voting stations will be open to the public during the voter registration weekend.
The commission explained that only South African citizens 18 years and older can vote.
“To register, you need a South African identity document – either a green barcoded ID book, a smart ID card, or a valid temporary ID certificate. To register, you must also provide an address or description of where you live, so that the IEC can place you in the correct ward and voting district. No proof of address is needed.
“If you don’t have an ID, please apply for one at Home Affairs as soon as possible. In addition to their normal working hours, Home Affairs offices will be open on 18 and 19 November, from 8am to 5pm, to coincide with the voter registration weekend.
“In the 2024 Elections, you must register at the voting station for the voting district where you live, and vote where you are registered,” the commission said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 14:23
417 views
Hanneke Benadé explores ‘A Sense of Place’ at House Union Block in Cape Town
Like moments frozen in time, Hanneke Benadé’s larger-than-life pastel drawings are exquisitely detailed glimpses into her subject matter. In her latest solo exhibition, Sense of Place, the accomplished South African artist explores the connection between subject and landscape at the House Union Block gallery in the heart of Cape Town. With pastels as her medium …
QUIZ: Discover Your Travel Persona: Millennial, Baby Boomer, Gen X, Y, or Z?
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Tanqueray and MaXhosa Unveil Unique Collaboration: The Reimagined COPA Glass by Laduma Ngxokolo
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Two dead in two shack fires since Friday in Dunoon
About 50 structures destroyed leaving 200 people homeless
Disability grant applicants can lodge an appeal – SASSA
Disability grant applicants can lodge an appeal - SASSA
Disability grant applicants have been encouraged to lodge an appeal if their application is not approved.
“The appeal must be lodged within 30 days after receiving a rejection letter and the process of reviewing the appeal also takes 30 days. If the applicant does not understand the rejection reasons they have a right to ask SASSA officials to provide clarity,” the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) said in a statement.
“All approved disability grant beneficiaries receives an increased R2 090 monthly by the Minister of Treasury October 2023, due to budget review,” the agency said.
SASSA explained that the applicant must note that SASSA works together with the professional medical contracted doctors who are ensuring that qualifying applicants gets the disability grant.
SASSA medical contracted doctors work under the supervision, approved regulations and guidelines by SASSA and the department of Health.
“It is only a SASSA medical contracted doctor that can conduct the assessment and submit a report to SASSA which determines whether the applicant qualify for a temporary or permanent disability grant. The assessment report is based on the information presented to the doctor and physical assessment also is conducted,” the agency said.
The applicant must meet the following requirements:
- be a South African citizen; permanent resident or refugee permanently residing in South Africa.
- be 18 to 59 years of age;
- undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming disability and;
- provide clinical information or referral form confirming disability;
- provide a referral form duly completed by a treating facility or practitioner if previously rejected on medical grounds;
- the applicant and spouse must be subjected to the Means Test;
- not be maintained or cared for in a State-funded institution;
- not be in receipt of another social grant in respect of himself or herself;
- submit a 13-digit barcoded identity document or the smart ID card for self and spouse. In the absence of an ID or a birth certificate, an alternative identification prescribed by SASSA will be acceptable.
For more information applicants are advised to contact the toll free number during working days/hours on Monday – Friday 0800 60 10 11/013 754 9428/9363 and WhatsApp on 082 046 8553. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 10:12
299 views
SSL Certificates And HTTPS In SEO
You’ve probably noticed that little padlock icon next to a website’s URL and wondered what it’s all about. It’s more than just an icon, it’s a sign of security – the result of something called SSL certificates and HTTPS. But what are they exactly? And why do they matter for SEO? Well, as you navigate …
Government congratulates World Cup champions
Government congratulates World Cup champions
Government has joined millions of South Africans, Africans and Springbok fans from across the globe in congratulating the 2023 Rugby World Cup champions, after beating News Zealand during the tournament’s final at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday night.
In this record-breaking victory, the Springboks showed determination, creativity and strength against New Zealand’s All Blacks.
South Africa’s unwavering confidence in the Springboks was symbolised by the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa in France, to help the champions to lift the Webb Ellis trophy.
The national rugby side is the first team in a Rugby World Cup to win the tournament for a record fourth time.
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the victory confirms South Africa’s highest standing in world rugby.
“The Springboks symbolise the resolve, resilience and unbreakable spirit of South Africans as a nation. Never has a team, which was once at the centre of dividing a nation, risen time and again to unite and rally the nation behind one flag, a single identity, and the nation brand.
“The Springboks represent something more than themselves; they unite us in our diversity but one nation. We are proud of the leadership of Captain Siya Kolisi, who led the mighty team to victory. We would also like to appreciate the support of South Africans of all works of life,” Ntshavheni said.
The Minister emphasised that supporting national teams is not just about the game, but “forging a collective spirit that extends beyond the field”.
“It's about instilling a sense of pride in our national identity, reminding us of the incredible strength we possess when we stand together.”
She added that the Springbok’s have etched South Africa’s name in the annals of history.
“We are eternally proud of you Bokke! In your team effort, the camaraderie in your camp, and a truly South African vibe you carried, you demonstrated that indeed we are stronger together - you proved that to the more than 62 million of us and millions more from the African continent who stood behind you. We can’t wait to welcome you back home,” Ntshavheni said.
Government has also congratulated the All Blacks for their excellent display of rugby skill against the Springboks and commended all South Africans for rallying behind the team and supporting them through the nail-biting games. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 10/29/2023 - 10:30
126 views
Three sentenced in OR Tambo drug case
Three sentenced in OR Tambo drug case
Three people including two customs officers and an Air Namibia attendant have been sentenced to at least 10 years imprisonment following their conviction on drug related charges.
The convicts – Sydney Bilankulu, Courdel Khoza and Thabo Dikgale – were found guilty of dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice and sentenced in the Alexandra Magistrates’ court.
According to a National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) statement, a fourth convict Oscar Osigwe, entered a plea and sentence agreement and was sentenced to eight years in jail in 2017.
The NPA explained that in 2016, Osigwe arrived at OR Tambo International Airport with some 1295.8 grams of cocaine in the form of plastic wrapped bullets he had swallowed.
“Osigwe told the court that a Nigerian man in Brazil had given him the drugs and bought him a ticket to South Africa. He further told the court that the Nigerian man said that there would be people at the ORTIA, who would be waiting for him and that his identity was already shared with these people.
“On arrival, while he was waiting in the queue, he was told to stand aside by two SARS customs officials [Khoza and Dikgale].
“Whilst searching for him, he was informed by Dikgale that they had been waiting for him. They thereafter went with Osigwe, to a hotel where his sim card was replaced with a new sim card that would be used to communicate with him after he had excreted the drugs. They gave him instructions on where to drop off the bag with drugs after the excretion was completed,” the statement read.
An on-duty police officer at the airport, Sergeant Nathan Govender, subsequently received a tip-off about Osigwe and the cocaine he had brought into the country.
“[Govender] gathered a team that went to the hotel where Osigwe had checked in. On arrival, they questioned Osigwe, who agreed that he had excreted 71 of the drugs and 18 were still inside his stomach.
“Osigwe received a call from the accused to move to the drop-off point, where he was followed by the team. He handed the bag of cocaine to Bilankulu who was together with Dikgale and Khoza and they were all arrested,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 11:57
284 views
Mompati Mall opens in Vryburg on 26 October
Mompati Mall is set to transform Vryburg in the North West province with its brand-new shopping experience that will launch to the public on 26 October 2023 with a spectacular grand opening. Vryburg’s very first mall, the ground-breaking new 22 700sqm shopping centre development by Twin City, is set to be a retail game-changer, introducing …
Cabinet calls on SA to support national sports teams
Cabinet calls on SA to support national sports teams
Cabinet has called on the nation to rally behind the national teams in their battle against England at the Cricket World Cup in India and the Rugby World Cup in France.
“On Saturday, 21 October 2023, two of South Africa’s biggest national teams will play against England in their respective World Cup matches. Our national teams continue to remind us of the best of South Africa and they are the best display of our unity as a nation with a single national identity – just being a South African.
“As the Proteas and Springboks enter the battle fields, it is our responsibility as the nation to let them feel the spirit and vibe of the resilient nation behind them,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Pretoria.
She was addressing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
Matric exams
Meanwhile, the National Senior Certificate matric exams will commence on 30 October 2023.
“Cabinet extends its well wishes to the Class of 2023 and all other learners who will be writing their final examinations. Cabinet calls on parents and guardians to support learners during this critical period in their academic journey,” Ntshavheni said.
Medium Term Budget Policy Statement
Cabinet has encouraged South Africans to tune into the 2023 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on 1 November 2023.
The MTBPS details adjustments to the national budget and it is an important part of South Africa’s open and accountable budget process. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 10:34
90 views
The Game Of Thrones X Pandora Collection; A Celebration Of Self-Expression And Identity
With the launch of the 12-piece collection, Pandora responds to overwhelming demand from fans, and aims to create a new storytelling platform for wearers. Available from September 28th, the collaboration introduces new crafting techniques from the jewellery house all inspired by the iconic symbolism from the fantasy series. An o¬fficial collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery …
How Thabo Bester murdered Nomfundo Tyhulu
The Thabo Bester Story is on sale today
SA participates in Indian Ocean Rim Association meeting
SA participates in Indian Ocean Rim Association meeting
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, will take part in the 23rd Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
The meeting will be held in Sri Lanka on Wednesday, 11 October 2023.
According to a Department of International Relations and Cooperation statement, the theme will focus on strengthening regional architecture and reinforcing the Indian Ocean identity.
“It is expected that the COM meeting will take stock of the progress that the association has made since the last meeting in Bangladesh and discuss future initiatives,” said the department on Monday.
Sri Lanka will assume the role of IORA Chair from 2023 to 2025, taking over from Bangladesh, while India will become the Vice-Chair.
“IORA is an economic cooperative community of coastal and island states whose shores are washed by the Indian Ocean. It is a charter-based regional multilateral organisation that is collegial in nature.
“IORA seeks to build and expand understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation through a consensus-based, evolutionary and non-intrusive approach,” said the department.
The department believes that cooperation among IORA member states is based on sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful coexistence, and mutual benefit.
“South Africa views IORA as an important platform for the articulation of our foreign policy, which upholds the importance of multilateralism and global collaboration in resolving the intricate challenges facing the world,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/10/2023 - 09:52
174 views
BUYER BEWARE, PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD WHEN BUYING A HOME IN SOUTH AFRICA
Johannesburg , 03 October 2023 : Fraud during the home buying process is a serious and growing problem in South Africa, especially in the digital age where scammers can easily impersonate legitimate sellers, agents, or conveyancers and intercept communication to divert funds to their own accounts. South Africa is now reportedly the “second most targeted …
Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official
Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, today welcomed the lengthy sentences recently meted out to two South Africans and a Pakistani national in two different cases in Durban and Johannesburg, respectively, for passport related crimes.
Arfan Ahmed, a Pakistani national who was arrested in a sting operation that included the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks and the Police Crime Intelligence on 24 March 2022 at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp, has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment by the Brixton Magistrate Court.
He was sentenced for the passports that were found in his house following his arrest in Krugersdorp. The department awaits his sentencing for his role in the Krugersdorp passport syndicate.
Ahmed is a kingpin of a passport syndicate that sought to undermine the country’s laws by fraudulently procuring South African passports for Pakistani nationals who did not have a legal right to possess South African passports.
He was working with some corrupt officials of Home Affairs in a network that spanned Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga.
While the Pakistani is languishing in jail, the 12 corrupt Home Affairs officials who enabled his scheme have already been fired and submitted to the Hawks for criminal investigations.
In another important development, the Durban Magistrate Court sentenced Anda Ngozi and Nomathandazo Mboyane to 26 and 24 years, respectively. The two were officials of the Department of Home Affairs employed at the office in Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape.
They used to travel 650km each way at a time during the night to Home Affairs offices in Commercial Road and in Prospecton in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to fraudulently process 52 passports for foreign nationals, mostly from the DRC, who are not legally entitled to them.
They were paid between R3 000 and R5 000 for each passport. South Africans who were prepared to lend their identities for this nefarious scheme were paid a paltry R500. These were usually young people who were on nyaope.
The two were arrested in November 2022 by Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs and the Hawks following the conclusion of an internal investigation led by the Counter Corruption Branch.
Ngozi was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:
• Identification Act – four years
• Immigration Act – four years
• Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – 10 years
Mboyane was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:
• Identification Act – four years
• Immigration Act – four years
• Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – eight years
The sentences of the two will run concurrently, practically meaning that Ngozi will spend 10 years, while Mboyane will spend eight years.
“I am extremely pleased that the courts are meting out lengthy sentences to those who seek to undermine the integrity of Home Affairs systems. It is worth noting that the courts had refused bail to all three after their arrests.
"I am also happy the collective work of the multidisciplinary law enforcement teams has ensured that these rascals face the full might of the law for their criminal actions,” said Minister Motsoaledi.
Minister Motsoaledi added that he was looking forward to the sentencing of more people related to these two cases as the Hawks haven't yet closed their investigations.
“Once again, I want to reiterate that we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that all Home Affairs officials who engage in malfeasance face the full might of the law. If you are at Home Affairs and are corrupt, expect our knock at your door," said Minister Motsoaledi.
He added that the actions of corrupt officials, kingpins, South Africans and corrupt foreign nationals have the following consequences for the country:
• People who don’t qualify for South African passports are legitimised through these actions to the detriment of the sovereignty of our country.
• They can use these documents to travel the world as South Africans, and in the process, they may be committing acts that are detrimental to the reputation of the country.
• More worrisome is the fact that even those who claim to be asylum seekers or refugees use these passports to travel back to their home countries proving that the whole claim of asylum was just a rouse.
• South Africans will find it difficult to travel the world as the authenticity of their documents will be questioned.
"South Africans who stupidly lend their identities to be utilised in this manner end up suffering serious prejudice when trying to do transactions with other State institutions, banks and some industry associations.
“This is because the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA), banks and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) verify the identity of the people they transact with through the Home Affairs National Population Register (NPR).
"Every time you apply for an ID or passport you are required to take a photo. The latest photo you take becomes the one in our database and all previous ones are automatically deleted.
"So, if a South African sells their identity in this way, it means that the photo in the Home Affairs system is that of the foreign national. So, institutions verifying through NPR refuse to deal with people whose identity at Home Affairs have pictures that don't look like the person in front of them," said Motsoaledi.
The Durban Magistrate Court also ordered that the 52 passports be surrendered to the State.
Because of this abuse of the passport application system, Home Affairs has drastically changed the processes through which passports are acquired in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 13:28
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