…Home Affairs Ministry targets corruption at Nhlangano centre
BY MBONO MDLULI
LOBAMBA– The Ministry of Home Affairs has vowed to intensify its fight against corruption following revelations of employees linked to alleged “Facata scams” are expected to face disciplinary action.
The matter emerged on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, when the Ministry appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the House of Assembly. It was stated that more than 600 members of the public had been scammed by these civil servants.
According to information presented during the session, the implicated employees are expected to appear before the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on 9 and 10 June 2026 to answer allegations relating to corruption and abuse of office.
The employees were stationed at the Nhlangano Service Centre, where they were responsible for providing services such as the issuing of birth certificates, identity (ID) cards, passports and other official documents produced by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Public allegedly swindled through fake promises
It was revealed during the PAC session that some employees allegedly took advantage of desperate members of the public by demanding money in exchange for promises of fast-tracked services.
However, according to submissions made before the committee, many of the promised services were never delivered despite payments allegedly being made by members of the public.
Victims were reportedly left stranded after paying money in the hope of receiving documents more quickly.
The alleged scheme has raised serious concerns about corruption within public service institutions and the exploitation of vulnerable citizens seeking essential government documents.
Ministry launches corruption clean-up exercise
Ministry of Home Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Nhlanhla Nxumalo told the committee that numerous cases involving similar allegations were currently pending before the Civil Service Commission.
Nxumalo acknowledged that corruption appeared to be widespread within parts of the Ministry and said management had embarked on a comprehensive clean-up exercise aimed at restoring integrity and accountability.
“There seem to have been many corrupt activities taking place within the Ministry, and we have now started a clean-up process because we want to deal with corruption once and for all,” Nxumalo said.
The Principal Secretary indicated that the Ministry was determined to strengthen internal controls and ensure that public servants who abuse their positions are held accountable.
MPs commend efforts to tackle corruption
Members of Parliament who are also members of the PAC session commended Government and investigative authorities for taking action against those implicated in the alleged scams.
Zombodze Emuva MP Ntando Mkhonta praised the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Office of the Auditor General for pursuing the matter and ensuring that suspected offenders are brought before disciplinary structures.
Dvokodvweni MP Sifiso Shabalala also welcomed Government’s vigilance, saying there appeared to be individuals who had turned the exploitation of members of the public into a profession.
Shabalala stressed the importance of exposing such practices to the public so that citizens remain alert and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Growing concern over corruption in public institutions
The revelations have once again highlighted growing concerns regarding corruption within some public service institutions, particularly where citizens rely on urgent access to essential documentation.
Observers say delays in service delivery often create opportunities for corrupt individuals to exploit vulnerable members of the public seeking assistance.
The disciplinary hearings before the Civil Service Commission are expected to determine the fate of the implicated employees as Government intensifies efforts to improve accountability and public trust within the civil service.
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