The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has dismissed 18 officials with immediate effect, with Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber saying this sends a clear and unambiguous message that corruption in Home Affairs is being addressed.

The officials were dismissed for a range of offences including fraud, corruption and sexual harassment.

A further four officials were issued with final written warnings - two of which carry a one- and three-months’ salary suspension.

“Another two officials received written warnings. The dismissals and disciplinary action follow the conclusion of all mandated human resource and appeals processes by the Department,” a statement from the DHA said.

Schreiber highlighted that the dismissal and disciplining of errant officials was the result of the further intensification of the department’s clampdown on corruption, fraud and maladministration.

“The dismissals follow from a series of recent convictions and reflect the intensification of cooperation between the Department of Home Affairs, the Special Investigating Unit, and the Hawks,” he explained.

Schreiber said dismissals and prosecutions were set to continue ramping up until the department had eradicated crime and corruption from the system.

Where prosecutable offences have been committed, the dockets will be referred for criminal prosecution, while Home Affairs also works to recover any losses.

“Those who cheapen and defraud our country are learning the hard way that there is nowhere to hide from a reinvigorated Home Affairs that is committed to upholding the rule of law and delivering dignity,” he said.

Meanwhile, as South Africa gears up to observe 16 Days of Activism, from November 24, Schreiber welcomed the department’s stance on the fight against gender-based violence and femicide, saying this was expressed through the speedy dismissal of an official for sexual harassment.