BY: Saneliso Mlambo
South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the department remains free from political influence.
Schreiber, a member of the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), stated that he will not allow the Home Affairs Department to be used for political purposes.
Schreiber was appointed as Minister of Home Affairs in July 2024, following the May general elections. Prior to this role, he served as the DA’s Shadow Minister of Public Service and Administration, where he gained recognition for his campaign against cadre deployment in government positions.
In recent months, Schreiber’s actions have sparked discussions about the political dynamics within South Africa’s unity government. Notably, he announced a visa-free agreement for Ukrainian officials, a move that contrasted with the stance of the African National Congress (ANC) and President Cyril Ramaphosa. This disagreement highlights the differing foreign policy perspectives within the coalition government.
Addressing concerns about potential political misuse of his department, Schreiber reaffirmed his dedication to neutrality.
He emphasized that the Home Affairs Department’s primary focus should be on serving all South Africans impartially, without bias or political interference.
Schreiber’s stance aims to uphold the integrity of the department and ensure that its services are accessible to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.