Media Statement

The African National Congress welcomes the interim report of the Special Investigating Unit into the Department of Home Affairs presented on Monday, 23 February 2026. This investigation was authorised through Proclamation 154 of 2024 by President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of a deliberate and uncompromising programme to dismantle organised crime and corruption, including criminal networks operating from within state institutions.

The interim findings reveal a deeply disturbing pattern of alleged syndicate infiltration into sovereign systems, fraudulent visas and permits, identity fraud, manipulation of verification processes, and the unlawful commodification of citizenship. This is not mere maladministration. It is an assault on national security and sovereignty, constitutional order and public trust.

Since assuming office in 2018, President Ramaphosa has taken concrete steps to rebuild and strengthen South Africa’s anti-corruption architecture after the damage of state capture. President Ramaphosa received its reports in 2022 and has led the implementation of its recommendations. His administration strengthened the National Prosecuting Authority and, in June 2024, signed into law amendments establishing the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption as a permanent structure within the NPA to focus on serious and complex corruption.

These reforms are not symbolic, they are measurable. Government has reported that nearly R11 billion linked to state capture and corruption has been recovered through coordinated work of the SIU, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other law enforcement agencies. Prosecutions are advancing. Assets are being frozen and forfeited. The era of impunity is being systematically dismantled.

The ANC is unequivocal. Organised crime embedded within public institutions is a direct attack on democracy itself.

It undermines border integrity, erodes public trust and weakens the state from within. Those who sell citizenship, manipulate identity systems and collude with criminal syndicates must face harsh and exemplary consequences.

We support the swift implementation of the SIU’s recommendations. Internal controls must be tightened.

Regulatory loopholes must be closed. Vetting systems must be strengthened. Accountability must follow without fear or favour.Renewal is not a slogan. It is permanent anti-corruption units, billions recovered from corrupt networks, strengthened prosecutions and institutions that act without political interference.

The ANC remains steadfast in building a capable, ethical and accountable state. Corruption will not hijack our democracy. The clean-up is real. The fight continues.

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