Here's what a data breach at home affairs could mean for you.
As The Citizen reveals serious vulnerabilities in government’s data systems, an IT expert has warned that Home Affairs IT infrastructure is an open book to skilled hackers – and even the not-so-skilled.
Cybersecurity operation Scarybyte chief executive Karim Jaber said detailed data of government IT infrastructure is also available on publicly accessible websites intended for mapping exposed infrastructure worldwide.

This is known as “enumerated” data.
In hacking, enumeration means gathering detailed information from a server, such as usernames, open ports, or software versions.
Hackers use this process to identify weak points or areas they can exploit to gain access to a system.
Hackers target weak points

Jaber said the information disclosed includes details about technology used, subdomains, IP addresses, and open ports.
This is vital information that attackers can use during the early stages of a cyberattack to identify weaknesses and plan their approach.
A whistle-blower from home affairs corroborated this assessment, noting that while some firewalls exist at home affairs, they constitute a single or partial layer of defence.

Jaber added a unified set of controls is required to secure infrastructure and data effectively.
He estimated at least 30% of the enumerated vulnerabilities discovered by the hacker and shown to him are highly exploitable for whatever use a hacker may want.

In turn, Jaber demonstrated to The Citizen how easy it is to enumerate home affairs’ systems, root directories, technologies, vendors, admin portals and even e-mail structures.

It took him less than three minutes to bypass certain security measures using advanced browsing methods.
He said where hackers cannot penetrate digitally, they could quickly use artificial intelligence and phishing techniques to manipulate employees into revealing passwords or other sensitive information.

“A major part of hacking is also exploiting the human element,” Jaber said. Home affairs personnel may believe they operate within a secure environment but in a world of deep fakes and phishing, it’s easy to deceive.

“High-resolution images of the minister and his team allow for the creation of near-perfect approaches to manipulation. By gathering the necessary information, it’s possible to create completely believable and legitimate e-mails that appear to originate from within the department,” said Jaber.
Even more concerning is that the home affairs perimeter security layers are easily digitally unpacked when they should be well-hidden or obscured.

Citizens’ sensitive data up for grabs
If a hacker gains control of a server at the department of home affairs, the risks are potentially catastrophic.
They could intercept sensitive citizen data, including ID numbers, biometric records and immigration details, leading to large-scale identity theft and financial fraud.

Hackers could also manipulate traffic to redirect users to malicious sites, inject malware, or gain deeper access to the department’s internal systems and connected networks, such as financial institutions and credit bureaus, Jaber said.
“This compromise could disrupt operations and sabotage critical services like ID issuance, and leak sensitive governmental data, posing a national security threat.”
He added hackers could exploit this access to infiltrate other organisations linked to the department of home affairs, amplifying the breach’s impact.

And time seems to be freely available. During the research period of this report, the anonymous cyber expert spent two weeks “scratching” home affairs’ systems, in other words irritating the system, to test whether he would be detected by its digital security apparatus. He was not.

The domain dilemma
Home affairs is not the only government department with wide open cyber doors.
It is potentially the entire government online domain, Jaber said. The weakness, he said, simply put, is that a domain name serves as a unique address for accessing applications or critical components and is also used in e-mail addresses.

It consists of a main domain that is usually the organisation’s name, a domain extension or top-level domain like ‘.za’ for South Africa and can include subdomains that designate different departments or services.

Each subdomain, associated IP address and e-mail address represents a potential access point.
If not properly secured, these can serve as gateways for unauthorised users to infiltrate government systems and access sensitive data.

The IMF has suggested SA adopt a 60% debt cap to curb its fiscal free-for-all, while also hinting that a lower inflation target might also be advisable. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that South Africa adopt a long-term fiscal rule and cap its overall debt ratio at 60% of gross domestic product (GDP); and voiced its support for a lowering of the central banks inflation target.The IMF recommended earlier this year that South Africa craft a fiscal rule to impose a debt ceiling or anchor. But this is the first time it has suggested a 60% debt-to-GDP ratio to target. The suggestion comes as South Africa grapples to contain its swelling debt levels and reboot its ailing economy under the Government of National Unity (GNU).A fiscal rule anchored in a prudent debt ceiling can help underpin the consolidation and support policy credibility, the Washington-based lender said in a statement issued after one of its regular staff mission visits to South Africa. The mission recommends an enhanced fiscal framework including a long-term prudent debt anchor (of around 60% of GDP, in line with that of peers), a credible fiscal rule (building on the existing expenditure ceiling), and an independent body to assess compliance.The 60% of GDP recommendation is a very long-term goal. The Treasurys current forecast is for debt to reach 74.7% of GDP in 2024/25 and around 75% of GDP by 2027/28, when the aim is to stabilise it at these levels.The National Treasury said this will enable the government to arrest the trend of mounting debt-service costs, which will peak as a proportion of revenue at 21.7% in 2025/26 and decline thereafter. Although there are significant external and domestic risks to the fiscal strategy, the government is determined to maintain a prudent, disciplined approach to ensure sustainable public finances, the Treasury noted in a statement issued today in response to the IMF recommendations.The mission recommends a consolidation effort of 1% of GDP per year over the next three years to achieve a primary surplus sufficient to lower debt to around 60`70% in the next five to 10 years, the IMF said.This could be achieved by cutting inefficient public spending on subsidies, curtailing transfers to SOEs, improving procurement processes (by judiciously implementing the new procurement bill), and rationalising the public-sector wage bill (by limiting wage increases to below-inflation adjustments and incentivising early retirement, as planned), while protecting vulnerable groups.Having a long-term cap on debt would certainly go a long way towards boosting South Africas fiscal credibility at a time when it is desperately trying to claw its way out of junk status with the ratings agencies. S&P Global has revised South Africas outlook to positive from stable, which signals that an upgrade may finally be on the horizon on this front.Getting on a path to faster economic growth will help to make a debt target doable. Faster growth rates translate into a bigger revenue stream for the Treasury, reducing the need for borrowing. At the same time, more elevated levels of GDP mean that debt as a percentage measured against it falls The IMF also said that a lower inflation target would support medium-term macroeconomic stability.South Africas current annual inflation rate is 2.8%, which is below the South African Reserve Banks (SARB) 3-6% target range. With inflation slowing and not seen exceeding 4% before the middle of 2025, the SARB has cut interest rates twice by 25 basis points since September.But Governor Lesetja Kganyago has made the case recently for lowering the inflation target to 3%, and talks are currently under way with the Treasury about this issue.Shifting from the current target band to a lower point target at an appropriate time could help lower expectations and inflation, the IMF said.

A former adjudicator at the permit section of the Department of Home Affairs, Phanuel Mokomo, has been found guilty of corruption by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, on Wednesday.

The conviction comes after Mokomo offered an internal investigator R10,000 bribe to stop him from conducting a prove into his corrupt activities.

Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said Mokomo was under an internal investigation by the department for irregular issuance and approval of permits.

After offering the bribe, the matter was brought to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) also known as the Hawks in September 2018.

“An entrapment operation was authorised and executed in terms of Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977,” said Mogale.

“The operation culminated in Mokomo being caught in the act of offering the R10,000 gratification to the internal investigator of the Department of Home Affairs,” she added.

She said Mokomo was immediately arrested and charged with corruption.

After numerous court appearances, Mokomo was found guilty of corruption on Wednesday.

The case has been postponed to February 18, 2025 for sentencing.

“This conviction underscores the DPCI's commitment to combating corruption, particularly in cases that threaten the integrity of public institutions such as the Department of Home Affairs.

“The successful entrapment and prosecution demonstrate the importance of inter-agency collaboration in holding public officials accountable,” said Mogale.

Mogale added that the DPCI remains steadfast in its mission to root out corruption and ensure the integrity of public service delivery.

Applying for a new ID or passport? Heres how you can track your Smart ID card or passport application progress with the Department of Home Affairs simple track and trace system.Track And Trace SMS SystemTo track your application, send an SMS with the word ID,followed by a space and your 13-digit ID number, to 32551. For passport applications, use P instead. Each SMS costs R1. Alternatively, you can call the Contact Centre at 0800 60 11 90.Home Affairs offices operate from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 15:30 pm. They also open on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. On the last Wednesday of each month, they open from 9 am to 15:30 pm.Improved ID Track-and-Trace SystemThe Department of Home Affairs has implemented a nationwide ID track-and-trace system. This system follows every application from submission to delivery. It helps managers monitor productivity and identify issues more efficiently.Enhanced Customer ExperienceThe system, developed by external IT experts and government officials, reduces waiting times and opportunities for corruption. Each official is accountable for every step, ensuring transparency and security. This new process cuts down on the chances of illegal activities, such as fraudulent IDs and altered records.Reducing Processing TimesCurrently, it takes just 14 working days from the date of application to receive your Smart ID. The department aims to streamline these processes, improving turnaround times with better-trained staff and upgraded technology.Did You Know? eHomeAffairs Simplifies ApplicationsThe Department of Home Affairs offers eHomeAffairs, an online platform that simplifies the Smart ID application process. South African citizens born in the country can benefit from this service, which provides several convenient features.Key Features of eHomeAffairsYou can perform the following tasks online:    Submit Smart ID and passport applications.    Make secure online payments.    Book appointments at participating Home Affairs branches.Although you can start the process online, visiting a branch is mandatory. This visit ensures biometric details like your photo, fingerprints, and signature are captured or verified.Easy Registration ProcesseHomeAffairs offers a flexible and secure application environment. To apply:    Create a profile.    Capture your application.    Attach supporting documents.    Make a payment.    Schedule an appointment at selected bank branches or Home Affairs offices.You can also complete your application and save it for submission later. This allows flexibility if you need more time to gather documents or finalise details.Future ImprovementsWhile the system is not yet perfect, officials believe it will significantly reduce queues and enhance customer satisfaction. Home Affairs is committed to addressing bottlenecks and delivering faster results.Citizens who have applied for their Smart ID cards or passports should use the tracking system to confirm their availability.Have You Used The Track And Trace System And Does It Work?

How and where does SA Migration get involved ( where do we make money ) 1)New Refugee Applications  New Comers2)Rejections  Manifest Unfounded 3)Abandoned Asylum Seeker4)Judicial Review for Final Rejection and / or Order to Leave 5)Indefinite Refugee Application6)Permanent residence via Indefinite Refugee Status Definitions of commonly used terms2.1 Asylum: Refugee status recognised in terms of the Refugees Act 130 of 1998 (the Refugees Act). It is the legal protection granted by the Government to someone who has left their home country as a refugee. 2.2 Asylum seeker: An asylum-seeker is someone who claims that he or she is a refugee, but whose claim has not yet been definitively evaluated by the relevant government agencies. 2.3 Economic migrant: An economic migrant is an individual who leaves their country due to economic hardship. Such an individual does not, on economic grounds alone, qualify for refugee protection.2.4 Foreigner: In terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 (the Immigration Act) a foreigner means an individual who is neither a citizen nor a resident, but is not an illegal foreigner.2.5 Illegal foreigner: An illegal foreigner means a foreigner who is in South Africa in contravention of  the Immigration Act and includes a prohibited person. Illegal foreigners therefore constitute a limited category of people. An illegal foreigner is either a prohibited person or a person who comes into the country or who tries to enter without any permit or any consent or authorisation.2.6 Internally displaced person: Internally displaced persons are persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to leave their homes or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalised violence, violations of human rights or natural or human made disasters, and who have not crossed an internationally recognised State border. Unlike refugees, IDPs have not crossed an international order to find sanctuary but have remained inside their home countries. Even if they have fled for similar reasons as refugees (armed conflict, generalised violence, human rights violations), IDPs legally remain under the protection of their own government  even though that government might be the cause of their flight.2.7 Lindela: The Lindela Repatriation Centre is a detention centre for undocumented migrants. It is situated in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.2.8 Migrant: A migrant is a person who moves from one place to another in order to find work or better  living conditions. A migrant is a person who, for reasons other than those contained in the definition  of refugee, voluntarily leaves their country in order to take up residence elsewhere. 2.9 Prohibited person: A prohibited person is someone who, in terms of section 29 of the Immigration Act, does not qualify for a temporary or permanent residence permit because of infection with an infectious disease; anyone against whom a warrant is outstanding or a conviction has been secured in South Africa or a foreign country with which South Africa has regular diplomatic relations in respect of genocide, terrorism, murder, torture, drug trafficking, money laundering or kidnapping; anyone previously deported and not rehabilitated by the Department; a member of or adherent to an association or organisation advocating the practice of racial hatred or social violence;and anyone who is or has been a member of or adherent to an organisation or association utilising crime or terrorism to pursue its end. 2.10 Refugee: Refugee status is not a status that is granted by states. It is rather recognised by them.  person is a refugee within the meaning of the 1951 Convention (and in the South African context, section 3 of the Refugees Act) as soon as he or she fulfils the criteria contained in the definition. This would occur prior to the time at which their refugee status is formally determined. Recognition of his  or her refugee status does not therefore make him or her a refugee but declares them to be one. He or she does not have refugee status because of recognition, but because he or she is a refugee. 2.11 Refugee Appeal Board: The Refugee Appeal Board is the board established by section 12 of the Refugees Act. The RAB responsible to hear and make decisions of failed asylum seekers applications, wishing to appeal the decision of the RSDO. In terms of section 13 of the Refugees Act, the Board is made up of a chairperson and at least two other members. 2.12 Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs: The Standing Committee is established by section 9 of the Refugees Act. It is an independent committee which must function without bias and must be independent. It consists of a chairperson and a number of other members as determined by the Minister. The powers and duties of the SCRA, which include amongst other things formulating and implementing procedures for granting asylum and reviewing decisions of RSDOs, are set out in section 11 of the Refugees Act. 2.13 Refugee Reception Office: A Refugee Reception Office is an office established under section 8(1) of the Refugees Act. It is the office which processes applications for asylum, accepts or rejects such applications and at which asylum seeker permits are renewed. Each RRO must consist of at least one Refugee Reception Officer and one Refugee Status Determination Officer. 2.14 Refugee Reception Officer: A Refugee Reception Officer is the officer employed by the DHA and who is situated at a Refugee Reception Office. Such an officer is referred to in section 8(2) of the Refugees Act. The Refugee Reception Officer conducts the first interview with the asylum seeker on lodgement of an application for asylum. 2.15 Refugee Status Determination Officer: The Refugee Status Determination Officer an officer employed by the DHA and who is situated at the Refugee Reception Office. Such an officer is referred to in section 8(2) of the Refugees Act. The RSDO conducts the second interview with an asylum seeker prior to the expiry of his or her section 22 permit. Following an adjudication process, the RSDO makes a decision to grant or reject the application for asylum. 2.16 Section 22 permit: An asylum seeker permit issued in terms of section 22 of the Refugees Act pending the outcome of an application for asylum in terms of section 21(1) of the Act. 2.17 Section 24 permit: A permit issued to a formally recognised refugee after asylum is granted by an RSDO. 2.18 Section 27 certification: A certification process done by the SCRA, on application by a refugee, to certify that the refugee will remain as such indefinitely. Such certification is required for a refugee to apply for permanent residency. 2.19 Undesirable Persons: An undesirable person is a foreigner declared undesirable in terms of section 30 of the Immigration Act by the Department of Home Affairs who or is likely to become a public charge; anyone identified as such; anyone who has been judicially declared incompetent; a rehabilitated insolvent; anyone who has been ordered to depart from South Africa; anyone who is a fugitive from justice; and anyone with a previous criminal conviction without the option of a fine forconduct which would be an offence in South Africa.