Cape Town — Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has said that he will not allow his department to be used for political battles.
His remarks were in response to a question from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who asked whether Elon Musk, David Sacks, and Peter Thiel should be granted South African citizenship.
Both Musk and Sacks were born in South Africa and are members of former US President Donald Trump’s administration.
Schreiber submitted a written response on behalf of Home Affairs and dismissed the request, saying that revealing such information would violate the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
He added that the EFF would need to formally apply under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), providing identity numbers to obtain the relevant details.
We asked the Minister of Home Affairs to provide clarity on the citizenship of the white boys from South Africa who have captured the American president like the Guptas captured Jacob Zuma and instead of responding soberly he went on a tirade against the President of the EFF. pic.twitter.com/5jtyNxKVb9
— Thapelo Mogale (@ThapeloMogale_) March 7, 2025
The minister said his department would not be used to pursue any political ends.
“Instead of being based on politics, our decisions are informed by the requirements of the Constitution, the rule of law, rationality, and just administration,” said Schreiber.
He said Malema was fearful of the repercussions he would face after years of a hateful rhetoric aimed at certain groups and he said he should consider apologising instead of using Home Affairs.
“Rather than seeking to cower behind the minister of home affairs in an ill-fated attempt to escape from the possible consequences of his actions, it is advisable for the honourable member’s party leader to apologise for his inflammatory and divisive rhetoric, and to meaningfully commit to a programme of restitution and nation building,” Schreiber added.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
