The Brief

Home Affairs to add 301 immigration officers in bid to strengthen border enforcement

The Department of Home Affairs will recruit 301 additional immigration officers as part of efforts to boost the country's immigration enforcement capacity by 35%.

The appointments will increase the department's immigration workforce from 868 to 1,169 officers, following what Home Affairs described as an internal reprioritisation of resources despite ongoing budget constraints.

According to the department, the recruitment forms part of wider reforms led by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber aimed at creating a more secure, digital and efficient immigration system.

Schreiber said the appointments represent one of the largest investments in immigration enforcement in recent years.

"By appointing 301 additional immigration officers, we are making one of the biggest investments in immigration enforcement capacity in years, strengthening our ability to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of South Africa's immigration system," he said.

The newly appointed officers will be tasked with enforcing the Immigration Act, identifying and arresting people who are in the country illegally, investigating cases of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, assisting with deportations, conducting inspections with other law enforcement agencies, and appearing in court where necessary.

The recruitment programme is also being rolled out alongside discussions with National Treasury to secure further funding for the department's digital transformation and capacity-building initiatives.

DA Home Affairs spokesperson Adrian Roos welcomed the expansion, saying it reflects the department's commitment to improving immigration enforcement and restoring the rule of law.

He said the additional officers would help combat organised crime linked to illegal migration, tackle corruption within the immigration system, and ensure compliance with South Africa's immigration legislation.

Ramaphosa says truth must emerge over Resolve Communications allegations

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the full facts must emerge following allegations that former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Tony Leon's public relations firm, Resolve Communications, arranged meetings between private-sector clients and ministers in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Speaking in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape on Monday, Ramaphosa said the allegations resembled the type of conduct associated with state capture. He said it was concerning that people who had previously spoken out against state capture were now facing similar allegations, adding that the matter should be fully ventilated. Ramaphosa's comments follow claims that Resolve Communications sought to facilitate meetings between private-sector clients and government ministers. No evidence of wrongdoing has been established against Leon, Resolve Communications or those implicated.

The allegations gained attention after John Steenhuisen claimed Resolve Communications arranged meetings between Communications Minister Solly Malatsi and representatives of Elon Musk's Starlink. Starlink has been seeking approval to operate in South Africa but has not been licensed under the country's current telecommunications ownership requirements. The ANC, ActionSA and the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) have since called for investigations, while Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications has asked Malatsi to provide a written explanation of his reported engagements with Resolve Communications and Starlink.

Leon has denied any wrongdoing, saying Resolve Communications does not influence government decisions or direct ministers. He described comparisons to state capture as unfounded, while the firm's chief operating officer, Loftus Marais, rejected calls for a Public Protector investigation, arguing that the office has no jurisdiction over a private company. The allegations remain unproven, and no findings of wrongdoing have been made against Leon, Resolve Communications or any other person mentioned.