“We will do better”, says Home Affairs Minister
Home Affairs says “out-of-date technology” and a shortage of supervisors and technicians are some of the ongoing challenges at the department.
THE minister of Home Affairs, Hlengiwe Mkhize has pledged to continue the fight to rid the department of corruption. Since assuming the reins Mkhize has reiterated her commitment to making sure that she runs a clean operation.
“We will work hard to ensure that there is no fraud, bribery and corruption. This will create conditions for economic growth and creative solutions to social problems,” the Minister said.
Minister Mkhize said Home Affairs has been on an improvement trajectory for the last 10 years. According to the minister, much progress has been made on many levels – from policy and legislation, to systems and establishing a more client-centred culture.
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“This has gained public confidence and most citizens and other clients are happy with the basic routine services they receive, such as being issued a smart ID card or a passport. The turnaround times for visas, and to an extent permits, has improved,” she said.
The Minister, however, cited “out-of-date technology” and a shortage of supervisors and technicians as some of the ongoing challenges. She said older records are held in unsuitable warehouses or captured on defunct systems.
While fully digital systems have been installed in the department’s 179 offices, Minister Mkhize said queues were often too long because of network issues.
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This, she said, is something they will work hard to change.
“I commit that we will do better and show you our plans. We hope to convince the nation of the need to invest in a secure, modern Home Affairs that is staffed with professionals,” Minister Mkhize said.
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