SA immigration system corrupt marketplace sold to highest bidder: SIU

Acting SIU head Leonard Lekgetho briefs media on finding into corruption at Home Affairs on 23 February 2026.

South Africa’s immigration system has been turned into a marketplace where permits and visas are allegedly sold to the highest bidder. That is the stark finding presented before an official inquiry by the Home Affairs department.

Acting Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head, Leonard Lekgetho, says the SIU has uncovered widespread corruption within Home Affairs.

This as he delivered an interim report on the issuing of permanent residence permits and visas.

Lekgetho told the inquiry that the investigation has revealed coordinated networks involving Home Affairs officials and foreign nationals, who allegedly collude to facilitate immigration benefits.

Among those mentioned in the probe are self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, along with others whose cases are under scrutiny.

Lekgetho further warned that the investigation has exposed a troubling reality that South Africa’s borders have not been protected, but rather undermined by corruption, raising serious national security and governance concerns.

The SIU’s investigation is ongoing, with further findings expected as authorities move to hold those implicated accountable.

The SIU’s investigation paints a disturbing picture of systemic corruption within the Department of Home Affairs. Officials enriched themselves by unlawfully issuing permits, using spouses as conduits to launder bribes. Syndicates operated with precision, exploiting weaknesses in… pic.twitter.com/3SGAsBRNr0

— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) February 23, 2026