Home Affairs' digital shift spearheads Public Service modernisation

Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Adrian Roos MP.

The recent announcement by the Department of Home Affairs to deliver the outcomes of visa waiver applications digitally, is a significant step towards modernising our public service. By eliminating the need for applicants to visit offices and stand in long queues to pick up physical letters, Home Affairs is not only speeding up the processing of the 8 000 applications stuck in the backlog but also setting a powerful precedent for other government departments to follow.

Over time the digital-first approach will be rolled out to other applicants applying for visas and permits.

Furthermore, the Government of National Unity's (GNU) commitment to evidence-based decision-making could be significantly enhanced by the efficiency gains offered by AI in the public sector. A notable example is the initiative by the DA Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, to explore the use of AI and machine learning for analysing the completeness and authenticity of documents, as well as detecting patterns and anomalies in Home Affairs permitting data.

This move towards digitisation is more than just a technological upgrade; it represents a fundamental shift in how government services can be delivered efficiently, transparently, and securely. The implementation of digital technology can eliminate the mountains of paperwork that often bog down our public service, reducing the opportunities for corruption that thrive in a system dependent on physical documentation and in-person interactions.

This move by Home Affairs is aligned with the position of the DA on the rapid digitisation of government. In 2024, the DA launched a comprehensive, evidence-based Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy underpinned by thorough research focusing on using ICT effectively to enhance governance, improve service delivery, and curb corruption.

Some of the key recommendations included in our policy include:

• Promoting the adoption of digital technologies across all government departments and spheres;
• Ensuring secure and reliable ICT infrastructure, promoting institutional development through training and up-skilling, creating robust cybersecurity policies and establishing an independent Office of the Cyber Commissioner that will fall under the Constitution's Chapter 9 institutions;
• Increasing the number of online government services and ensuring they are user-friendly, regularly updated and available in all official language;
• Furthermore, e-Services should address essential needs like healthcare, education, and municipal services to minimise travel time and costs associated with in-person visits and reducing regulatory red tape.

We call on the rest of the government to follow Home Affairs' lead by embracing digital transformation across all sectors. By doing so, we can create a more streamlined, accountable, and corruption-resistant public service that saves citizens time, money, and frustration.