The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is installing Web cams in its offices to improve security.
Speaking at the opening of the new home affairs office in Wynberg, Cape Town, deputy minister Fatima Chohan said while the DHA is a service delivery department, it is also a security department.
“We are the frontline of our security services, because without an ID, birth certificate, [or] passport, organised crime cannot gain a foothold in our country. We have the responsibility for the country's security. Organised crime cannot take root without our documents.”
Watching you
Chohan said the Web cams are very important for security. She highlighted the recent arrests of home affairs officials throughout the country in an attempt to clamp down on corruption.
“We want our officials to understand their role is to deliver effective and efficient services, but frontline offices, when it comes to the fight against crime and corruption in our country, must help government to fight this scourge.”
She added that officials must regard themselves as the primary frontline onslaught against criminality and particularly organised crime in SA.
“Web cams are there to give us some comfort that our security systems are not infringed upon, through corruption or mistakes. People will monitor the activities in this office through these Web cams with a view to minimising the risks we face as an office.”
Provincial home affairs manager Yusuf Simons said the Web cams can be accessed remotely so the ministry can observe the office's activities even from Pretoria.
“If they believe an intervention is required, they can intervene immediately. Everything happens in real-time.”
Deputy director-general of civic services Vusi Mkhize said: “The power of knowledge is invaluable. [The Web cams] will assist us to improve our service delivery levels especially if officials know there is ongoing monitoring and assessment as well as real-time interventions.”
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