Schreiber's scorecard

HOME AFFAIRS: PRAISE FOR EXTENDING ZEP, EXPOSING IDENTITY THEFT

- Vhahangwele Nemakonde

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber had quite the year in 2024, but how well did he do? We take a look. The department of home affairs has been in the spotlight throughout 2024 following the replacement of former minister Aaron Motsoaledi with Schreiber. Initially, many had hoped the portfolio would go to Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie, whose election slogan, Abahambe, helped the party secure about nine seats in parliament.

McKenzie had promised his voters there would be mass deportations of illegal immigrants, among other measures. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa gave the portfolio to Schreiber.

There was a moment of uncertainty among those who had voted for McKenzie as they questioned the DA's policies and how these would inform Schreiber's approach to the issue of illegal immigration.

After his appointment, Schreiber said he needed time to review the processes and "missteps" in how the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) were handled.

His comments came after the Constitutional Court ruled that former home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi had unlawfully terminated the ZEP.