The Department of Home Affairs has announced that it will take action against what it describes as a coordinated disinformation campaign surrounding the processing of asylum applications in South Africa.
Also see: Home Affairs sets 2028 deadline to fully retire green ID books
The department has also called on South Africans to verify information before sharing it, warning that false claims and incitement could inflame tensions and potentially fuel violence.
Home Affairs to take action against disinformation
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, the Department of Home Affairs said it was alarmed by an apparent coordinated campaign targeting the department, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and other officials.
The department said the matter would be referred to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for further action under the newly published Code of Conduct on Countering Disinformation. The controversy centres on a Constitutional Court judgment handed down on 7 July 2026 in the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town matter, which concerns the processing of asylum applications.
According to Home Affairs, false claims have been circulating that the decision to suspend so-called “good cause” interviews was taken by the Minister, the department or political parties.
The department has rejected these claims.
“This is categorically false,” Home Affairs said, explaining that the Constitutional Court handed down a binding judgment which the department is constitutionally obliged to implement.
BREAKING🚨🚨 : Department of Home Affairs to take action against Disinformation campaign and those spreading FAKE news regarding asylum seekers.
The Department condemns, in the strongest terms, the peddlers of this
disinformation. It also calls on South Africans to help combat the growing
scourge of disinformation and incitement faced by Home Affairs officials on a
daily basis, by verifying information prior to spreading lies that seek to incite
violence or destabilise the foundations of our constitution— NOWinSA (@NowInSA) October 7, 2026
Department condemns ‘peddlers’ of disinformation
Home Affairs has strongly condemned those it says are deliberately spreading false information about the court judgment and the country’s asylum system.
“The Department condemns, in the strongest terms, the peddlers of this disinformation,” the statement said.
The department warned that the deliberate spread of disinformation designed to inflame tensions and violence poses a threat to the stability of South African society.
It also said Home Affairs officials face incitement on a daily basis and urged members of the public to play a role in combating the spread of false information.
Also see: Home Affairs officials arrested in alleged passport fraud scheme
‘Verify information before spreading lies’
Home Affairs called on South Africans to verify information before sharing it, particularly information that could encourage hostility or violence.
The department said people should avoid spreading claims that could “incite violence or destabilise the foundations of our constitutional order.”
The warning comes amid heightened public debate and concern around immigration, asylum seekers and the country’s immigration system.
Home Affairs has stressed that legitimate concerns about immigration should not be confused with claims that are factually false.
Court ruling does not grant asylum seekers citizenship
The department has also sought to clarify what the Constitutional Court judgment actually means.
Home Affairs rejected claims that the judgment grants asylum seekers South African citizenship or amounts to blanket legalisation of foreign nationals.
“These claims are categorically false,” the department said.
The department explained that it opposed the litigation but is constitutionally required to comply with the binding judgment.
An operational directive was subsequently issued to give effect to the court’s decision.
Home Affairs said respecting binding court judgments is fundamental to the rule of law and South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
WATCH | Hundreds of foreign nationals are now queuing outside Home Affairs in Berea, Durban, following the court ruling that opened access to the asylum application process. The surge highlights the growing pressure on Home Affairs to process applications while balancing the country’s immigration controls.
— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) October 7, 2026
Matter referred to the IEC
The department said the disinformation campaign will be referred to the IEC for further action in terms of its new Code of Conduct on Countering Disinformation.
Home Affairs said it would continue fulfilling its constitutional obligations regardless of whether it was successful in the litigation.
The department’s latest warning puts the focus on the importance of checking information before sharing it, particularly when claims relate to asylum seekers, immigration and government policy and have the potential to inflame tensions.
As the debate continues, Home Affairs is urging members of the public to distinguish between legitimate discussion about immigration and unverified claims that could contribute to violence or instability.
Also see: ‘I will not pay you’: Woman exposing alleged Home Affairs bribe in viral video comes forward
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