Limpopo oversight visit report; Oversight Report to Digitisation Hubs; Committee Business

Video The Committee considered correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) dealing with matters relating to immigration status investigations, parliamentary query processes, electoral reform, and concerns around the online voter registration system. Members expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the IEC’s responses, particularly regarding lifestyle audits, security vetting, and ongoing technical challenges with the online platform. Concerns were also raised about the late circulation of correspondence to Members prior to the meeting, with the Committee Secretary apologising for the oversight and undertaking to improve document distribution in future. The Committee then considered and adopted, with amendments, its oversight report on the Limpopo visit. The report indicated that several Home Affairs offices faced challenges, including booking slot scams, poor infrastructure, system downtime, accessibility problems, and delays in service delivery. Recommendations were made to improve infrastructure, strengthen online systems, prioritise vulnerable groups, and address the backlog of uncollected identity documents. Members also proposed technical corrections to the report, and suggested that positive performance achievements at some offices should also be reflected to ensure a balanced assessment. The Committee also considered the report on oversight visits to Home Affairs’ digitisation hubs. Recommendations included the development of a comprehensive implementation plan, improved oversight of service providers, better working conditions for graduates, and measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the digitisation initiative. Members proposed additional amendments relating to graduate allowances, stipend structures, and the formalisation of employment arrangements within the programme. The report was subsequently adopted with amendments. In closing, the Committee discussed the need for further engagement on border management and illegal cross-border activities. It was proposed that a joint meeting be arranged with the relevant committees and the Border Management Authority to receive briefings on recent operations and ongoing challenges involving undocumented migration and illicit cross-border activities.