MPs raise alarm after Home Affairs bought kiosks that remain unused

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has expressed concern over self-service kiosks purchased by the Department of Home Affairs, but never deployed. The committee questioned the expenditure on the devices, ongoing licence costs and delayed service delivery. A briefing planned for Saturday was postponed when the department's director-general and chief financial officer failed to attend.

The committee's chairperson, Mosa Chabane, stressed the need for a clear explanation of the procurement process, project timelines and expenditure. The committee found that kiosks were procured but not deployed, raising questions about whether the investment was yielding any benefits. They also inquired about the costs of maintaining licences for the undeployed kiosks and the implications of the delays.

The project, launched in May 2024, promised improved services, but the committee remains uncertain if those promises are being fulfilled. The absence of the director-general and CFO prevented the committee from obtaining the information they deemed necessary to assess the project's status and hold the department accountable. The committee also noted that the department had failed to provide a clear report on the status of incomplete modern offices.

Earlier this year, the committee visited the Sibasa office in Limpopo and found evidence that work was not completed. The committee vowed to reconvene the briefing at the earliest opportunity to address all outstanding concerns and ensure full accountability from the department.