Home Affairs Extends Hours to Help Joburg Learners Get IDs During School Holidays

As the school holidays kick off, the Department of Home Affairs is making it easier for learners and citizens to get their IDs sorted  by staying open a little later.

If you’ve ever tried to squeeze in a Home Affairs visit during a school day or work lunch break, you’ll know it can be a mission. Now, from 7 to 21 July, all Home Affairs offices across South Africa will extend their weekday operating hours, staying open until 6pm instead of closing at 4pm.

This small but meaningful shift is aimed squarely at learners on their winter break — and anyone else needing a bit more flexibility to apply for or collect their Smart ID Cards or passports.

A Move That Makes Sense During Exam Season

For many high school learners, especially those in matric, having a valid ID isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential for writing exams and applying for bursaries or jobs.

Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, is urging people to make the most of the extra hours.

“I encourage all clients who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents at their convenience,” he said.

Dedicated Counters For Faster Service

In larger offices where space allows, Home Affairs has also introduced dedicated counters for ID and passport collection. This is meant to ease congestion, cut down on long queues, and speed things up — a welcome move for time-strapped students and parents.

The department knows that delays can have real-life consequences, especially for those needing documents for travel, university applications or job interviews.

Book Ahead or Walk In, Both are Welcome

To make things even smoother, citizens can book a time slot using the department’s Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) on their website. But if that’s not an option, you’re still welcome to walk in.

“The department also allows clients who may not have an opportunity to book appointments to visit as walk-ins,” it said.

Local Tip: Get in Early

Joburg residents heading to high-traffic branches like Randburg, Germiston, or Johannesburg Central are advised to arrive as early as possible, especially without a booking. While the extended hours do help, morning queues can still stack up — especially in the first week of the holidays.

A Step Toward Smoother Service?

In a city where long queues and slow service have become part of the Home Affairs reputation, this move is a refreshing change. It’s practical, it meets citizens where they are, and it sends a clear signal that the department is paying attention — at least during peak school-break periods.

Whether this becomes a regular seasonal initiative remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a good chance to tick something important off your to-do list.

Know someone still waiting for their ID or passport? Tag them and share this story to help them beat the rush.

Source:The South African

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