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a day ago
- Politics
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MPs slam poor conditions at Giyani Home Affairs: ‘Blocked toilets, long queues'
Giyani Home Affairs office under scrutiny following an oversight visit that highlighted poor infrastructure and long queues. Image: File Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has expressed concern over poor service delivery conditions at the Giyani Home Affairs Branch following an oversight visit this week. The Chairperson of the committee, Mosa Chabane, and Member of Parliament Nkhensani Kate Bilankulu visited the branch on Monday during the parliamentary constituency period and found what they described as 'serious shortcomings requiring urgent attention from senior management of the Department of Home Affairs.' 'It is disturbing that some of the shortcomings in service delivery included blocked toilets and unacceptably long queues.,' Chabane said. "These issues have a direct impact on service delivery and negatively impact the dignity of clients of the department." Bilankulu commended staff for their commitment to the Bathopele principles but said that inadequate infrastructure and staff shortages were undermining service delivery. 'The infrastructure challenges and lack of adequate human resources impacted the services provided. The department must move with speed to remedy the situation with urgency,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The MPs also raised concern over what they called the 'longstanding challenge' of long queues for Home Affairs services. They urged the department to take advantage of 'recently relaxed ICT requirements' which now allow government departments to seek services outside the State Information and Technology Agency to improve efficiency. The matter will be escalated to the Home Affairs Director-General, with the department expected to provide feedback to the portfolio committee on steps taken to address the issues. IOL News
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
The Marriage Bill: South Africans call for change in age of consent and recognition of Muslim marriages
Most of the citizens welcomed the Bill's objectives to consolidate all the existing marriage laws into one legislation and recognise Muslim marriages which were previously excluded. Image: Sigciniwe The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has wrapped up its North West leg of public hearings regarding the Marriage Bill. This marks the fifth province in a national consultation initiative, following sessions in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga, aimed at gathering widespread input on the pivotal draft legislation. The committee convened at the Vryburg Banquet Hall in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, as members of the public, political parties, religious representatives, non-governmental organisations, and members of the LGBTQI+ community came together to express their views. The overall sentiment among attendees leaned towards support for the Bill, particularly its intention to consolidate existing marriage laws into a unified framework, as well as its aim to recognise Muslim marriages that had previously been overlooked in legislation. Many citizens voiced their concerns, particularly regarding the proposed age of consent set at 18 for marriage. A common thread in today's discussions suggested this age be raised to 21, with attendees arguing that young adults at 18 are often still completing their education and should not be burdened with the responsibilities of marriage. Additionally, there were passionate calls from the audience for stricter penalties, including severe prison sentences for those facilitating underage marriages and for parents who agree to marry off their children below the legal age. Concerns were raised that poverty was a significant factor pushing families into early marriages. Religious sentiments also featured prominently during the hearings, with many leaders opposing clauses related to same-sex marriage. These objections were often based on biblical scripture and a belief that same-sex marriages threaten procreation and traditional family structures. However, members of the community urged caution against allowing religious beliefs to limit others' rights to love and marry freely. Proposals for amendments to the Bill were abundant, with some suggesting provisions to protect cohabiting couples, commonly known as 'vat en sit'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Others recalled discussions around polygamous marriages, advocating that husbands must seek the consent of their first wives prior to marrying again—a point noted as already addressed in the draft Bill. Chairperson, Mosa Chabane thanked all participants for their contributions, noting the immense value of public input in shaping the future of marriage legislation in South Africa. 'We thank the public, religious community, political parties, NGOs, and everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We welcome all your valuable inputs,' she stated. IOL
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Parliament urges Home Affairs to expedite migration policy reforms
Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has called on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to accelerate the timeline for its proposed overhaul of South Africa's migration system Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has called on the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to accelerate the timeline for its proposed overhaul of South Africa's migration system, urging the department to bring forward the finalisation of the Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection White Paper from 2030 to 2027. The committee received the DHA's 2025/2030 strategic plan and its 2025/26 annual performance plan this week. Committee chairperson Mosa Chabane said the urgency stems from the country's escalating migration challenges, which require decisive policy direction. 'Migration challenges facing the country require urgent policy direction not only to close legislative gaps but also to ensure that South Africa is in line with international protocols and obligations,' said Chabane. 'It is on this basis that the committee unanimously requested the review of the 2030 target.' The White Paper proposes a complete overhaul of South Africa's migration system, which has long faced criticism for inefficiencies and outdated legislation. While the committee acknowledged the steps needed to align with Cabinet's decision for a supplementary White Paper, members were clear that delays in implementation are no longer acceptable. The committee also urged the department to accelerate its digitisation efforts, which began under the sixth administration, and commended plans for digital services such as document delivery and a fully automated electronic visa system. However, Chabane cautioned, 'We want to see clear implementation timelines. Ambitious targets must be backed by realistic, time-bound plans.' A harsh spotlight was also placed on poor contract management and planning. The committee cited the closure of DHA offices in Barberton due to the absence of security services as 'unacceptable.' 'The recent suspension of services in Barberton highlights weak contract management controls. While we acknowledge budget constraints, services cannot collapse due to a basic issue like security,' said Chabane. The committee also raised alarm over ongoing system downtimes and the department's overreliance on the State Information Technology Agency, which has been criticised for underperformance. The committee has called for a detailed project plan with firm timelines to implement ICT upgrades recommended by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). In addition, the committee criticised the continued underfunding of the Border Management Authority, warning that 'dithering on this matter undermines national security.' It welcomed moves towards using drones and body-worn cameras to reduce corruption allegations. THE MERCURY
