ActionSA calls for comprehensive citizenship audit as Chidimma Adetshina’s mother is accused of home affairs fraud
8 August 2024
ActionSA demands a comprehensive citizenship audit in South Africa following the Department of Home Affairs' announcement regarding the ongoing investigation into Chidimma Adetshina’s citizenship, which has already established prima facie evidence of fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother.
Yet again, in a tale all too familiar to South Africans, this incident is but one more in a long list of abuses, corruption and criminal circumvention of our immigration laws stretching over decades, which we believe has not only shattered the integrity of our immigration system but also dangerously compromised South Africa’s national security.
In a June 2022 report, a review conducted by the Ministerial Committee on the Issuance of Permits and Visas revealed the startling figure that 36,647 fraudulent permit and visa applications were detected, 12,177 of which were from Nigerian nationals alone, making it clear that Chidimma’s case is just the tip of the iceberg.
Widespread corruption, DHA’s structural deficiencies, lax controls, porous borders, and ultimately failing law enforcement have left South Africa’s immigration system vulnerable to an onslaught of abuses. Therefore, ActionSA believes this crisis demands a thorough audit of all issuances of South African residency and citizenship to put an end to the rot that has compromised our immigration regime once and for all.
We will actively monitor the progress of the investigation, and we urge DHA to swiftly demonstrate to both South Africans and potential lawbreakers that it is intolerant of corruption, fraud and violations of our immigration laws.
ActionSA has already begun its work in Parliament to hold the Department of Home Affairs and law enforcement agencies accountable to ensure the strict and uncompromising enforcement of our immigration laws and will continue to fight to protect our sovereignty and national security.
Issued by Lerato Ngobeni, Parliamentary Chief Whip, ActionSA, 8 August 2024
