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Zawya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Home Affairs Committee Acknowledges Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) Introspection on 2024 National and Provincial Elections
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs yesterday received the overall 2024 national and provincial elections report and appreciated the strong introspection on the part of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which will create a platform for self-correction and strengthened electoral processes. The committee is confident that the areas of improvement highlighted by the IEC did not have a direct impact on the elections being free and fair. 'The areas of improvement identified by the IEC, such as challenges with the IT system, faults with the voter management devices, voting station inefficiencies and the need for improved training of electoral staff assure the committee that the Commission is doing everything to improve the quality of voting experience and efficiency of a voting station,' said Mr Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the committee. The committee highlighted that the report also reaffirms the IEC's credibility as a body that delivers quality, verifiable and open elections. Despite this, the committee emphasised the need for a reassessment of how to address the challenge of voter apathy and declining voter turnout. The committee has emphasised that enhanced civic and democratic education strategies must be urgently implemented to ensure that the number of voters increases, thereby strengthening the country's democracy. 'There must be a reflection, not only from the IEC's perspective but from society in general, that voter turnout is unacceptably low and impacts on the strength of South African democracy, a hard-fought right,' Mr Chabane said. The committee reaffirmed the IEC's integrity and system veracity over time, and acknowledged improvement since its establishment. Additionally, IEC has been recognised as a benchmark for election machinery on the continent. Meanwhile, the committee reflected on the impact of Section 24 (A) provision in the Electoral Amendment Act. The committee called on the IEC to develop a report on both the positive and negative impacts of this section during the 2024 elections. The committee highlighted its strong view on the need to review this provision, especially in the context of the unintended consequences for voter apathy. The committee welcomed the assurance from the IEC that it is working on a reimagined voter experience that includes the value proposition that a voter does not spend more than 30 minutes in a voting station. This would require improving the quality of staff employed at voting stations, optimising processes, ironing out problems with technical tools and improving the response rate to challenges arising in voting stations. Meanwhile, the committee has urged the IEC to highlight any legislative gaps that the committee and Parliament can work on to ensure that elections are seamless. The committee welcomed the 59% increase in the number of voting districts over the past 25 years, which reduces the average spread of voters per voting station. The committee continued to highlight that voting stations must be as close as possible to the people to ensure ease of access. Furthermore, the committee has welcomed the processing of the legal matter relating to IEC Commissioner Dr Nomsa Masuku in line with and within the framework of the Constitution. The committee welcomes the fact that the Commissioner has not participated in IEC affairs since her legal challenges. On the expiry of the term of the IEC Chairperson, Mr Mosotho Moepya, and those of Judge Dhaya Pillay and Dr Masuku the committee thanked them for their service and integrity in advancing the work of the IEC. 'Their dedication and sleepless nights have contributed to strengthening South Africa's democracy,' Mr Chabane said. The committee has reiterated the need for continued protection of the IEC's credibility, as it plays a crucial role in promoting democratic processes. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Home Affairs conducts lifestyle audits on 476 officials to combat corruption
The Home Affairs department has conducted lifestyle audits on some of its officials. Image: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers The Department of Home Affairs has completed 476 lifestyle audits on its officials in a bid to fight against corruption. Employees flagged during the process have been referred for vetting, and disciplinary action is expected to follow where wrongdoing is confirmed. The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has welcomed the move, saying it is a necessary step to identify and root out rogue elements in the department. 'We welcome the 476 lifestyle audits concluded for DHA officials. This project must be extended to a wider employee population within the department to root out any corrupt and rogue elements within the department,' said committee chairperson Mosa Chabane. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The audits revealed that lower-level employees are more likely to be highly indebted, which exposes them to the risk of being tempted by criminal syndicates. The department has since referred those identified for further vetting. The committee responded by urging the department to develop interventions that protect vulnerable staff members from being lured into selling official documents. Chabane stressed that corruption in the department, particularly the fraudulent approval of documents, undermines national security. 'The committee is steadfast that the DHA plays a critical homeland security role, and the selling of the departmental documents is unacceptable. These selfish officials have shown their lack of patriotism, which is treasonous. Action should be taken against any acts of criminality,' he said. The committee also welcomed a notable increase in the dismissal of officials implicated in fraudulent activities but emphasised the need for law enforcement to act swiftly in prosecuting those involved. Despite these efforts, the committee noted that concern remains over the department's internal capacity to fight corruption effectively. The Counter Corruption and Security Services unit is reportedly operating at just 28% of its approved staffing levels. The committee said this severely undermines the unit's effectiveness and called on the department to 'engage with National Treasury to find ways to further capacitate the service in line with the National Development Plan.' THE MERCURY
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Parliament urges Home Affairs to expedite migration policy reforms
Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has called on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to accelerate the timeline for its proposed overhaul of South Africa's migration system Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has called on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to accelerate the timeline for its proposed overhaul of South Africa's migration system, urging the department to bring forward the finalisation of the Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection White Paper from 2030 to 2027. The committee received the DHA's 2025/2030 strategic plan and its 2025/26 annual performance plan this week. Committee chairperson Mosa Chabane said the urgency stems from the country's escalating migration challenges, which require decisive policy direction. 'Migration challenges facing the country require urgent policy direction not only to close legislative gaps but also to ensure that South Africa is in line with international protocols and obligations,' said Chabane. 'It is on this basis that the committee unanimously requested the review of the 2030 target.' The White Paper proposes a complete overhaul of South Africa's migration system, which has long faced criticism for inefficiencies and outdated legislation. While the committee acknowledged the steps needed to align with Cabinet's decision for a supplementary White Paper, members were clear that delays in implementation are no longer acceptable. The committee also urged the department to accelerate its digitisation efforts, which began under the sixth administration, and commended plans for digital services such as document delivery and a fully automated electronic visa system. However, Chabane cautioned, 'We want to see clear implementation timelines. Ambitious targets must be backed by realistic, time-bound plans.' A harsh spotlight was also placed on poor contract management and planning. The committee cited the closure of DHA offices in Barberton due to the absence of security services as 'unacceptable.' 'The recent suspension of services in Barberton highlights weak contract management controls. While we acknowledge budget constraints, services cannot collapse due to a basic issue like security,' said Chabane. The committee also raised alarm over ongoing system downtimes and the department's overreliance on the State Information Technology Agency, which has been criticised for underperformance. The committee has called for a detailed project plan with firm timelines to implement ICT upgrades recommended by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). In addition, the committee criticised the continued underfunding of the Border Management Authority, warning that 'dithering on this matter undermines national security.' It welcomed moves towards using drones and body-worn cameras to reduce corruption allegations. THE MERCURY
