South African consul general recalled over Dubai visa fraud

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) announced in a media briefing that Andrew Lebona, the South African consul general in Dubai, has been summoned back amid accusations of security breaches and misconduct.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa, known as DIRCO, is responsible for managing the country's diplomatic missions and international relations. This governmental entity plays a vital role in overseeing South Africa's foreign policy, serving as the country's representative internationally, and guaranteeing the efficient functioning of its diplomatic services. DIRCO is instrumental in influencing international collaborations and dealing with global challenges on behalf of South Africa.

The department responded to tips from whistleblowers regarding suspected security breaches and misconduct, prompting Lebona to return from Dubai to Pretoria to address the initial investigation results.

A report states that Lebona was implicated in coordinating office break-ins in order to sell visas to South Africa for citizens of the UAE. He is facing allegations of different misconduct, such as supposedly organizing for his son to unlawfully receive diplomatic travel permission.

Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has promised to back DIRCO's inquiry. He posted on X that visas linked to the supposed fraud will be canceled: Schreiber stated that "Home Affairs will assist in the immediate probe of this DIRCO staff member to revoke the impacted visas."

He reiterated the importance of digital transformation in the fight against corruption, stating that without comprehensive digital changes, corruption endangering national security will persist, as he stated in Parliament.

Getting rid of inefficient paper-based and handwritten procedures is our top priority, and I urge all sectors of society to get behind this goal to protect South Africa's independence.