‘Home Affairs can be key economic enabler if it does its job’ - Leon Schreiber

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.

Listen below.

The Democratic Alliance's (DA) Leon Schrieber is South Africa's new Home Affairs Minister.

Shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his appointment, he became the target of a disinformation campaign, claiming he was Zimbabwean.

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“I noticed that someone had fiddled with my Wikipedia page minutes after President Ramaphosa made the announcement.” 

- Leon Schreiber, Minister - Home Affairs

“I don’t know many Zimbabweans that speak Afrikaans like a boytjie from the Western Cape.”

- Leon Schreiber, Minister - Home Affairs

Shortly after coming into office, Schreiber announced a visa extension for foreigners in South Africa, further fuelling conspiracies about his origins.

The visa extension only applies to foreigners already legally in the country.

Some people claim the extension undermines the efforts of skilled South African workers and will bring an influx of foreigners into the country.

Schreiber argues that a smooth and orderly visa process is a key part of preventing illegal immigration, and this concession will allow them to clear the massive backlogs.

“This department can be a key economic enabler if it does its job correctly.”

- Leon Schreiber, Minister - Home Affairs

Another key priority for Schreiber is upgrading the Home Affairs IT system.

“'System offline' needs to become swear words.” 

- Leon Schreiber, Minister - Home Affairs

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.