Home Affairs extends hours as 370,000 Smart ID cards await collection ahead of voter registration

The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours at offices nationwide over the voter registration weekend, the department said, as more than 370,000 Smart ID Cards remain ready for collection.

Weekday hours extended for the weekend

Home Affairs offices across South Africa will be open from 8am to 5pm on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21 to assist citizens with Smart ID Card applications and collections. The extension is offered in support of the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s Voter Registration Weekend.

Minister urges citizens to collect IDs and register to vote

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber encouraged South Africans to use the voter registration weekend to obtain or collect Smart ID Cards needed to access services and participate in democracy. He said the extended hours would make it easier for citizens to obtain the identity documents needed to register.

“This weekend presents an important opportunity for South Africans to ensure that they are ready to exercise one of their most fundamental democratic rights. By extending operating hours nationwide during Voter Registration Weekend, Home Affairs is making it easier for citizens to obtain the Smart ID Cards they need to register and participate in our democracy,” Schreiber said.

Backlog and the department’s wider drive

The department said more than 370,000 Smart ID Cards are currently awaiting collection at Home Affairs offices across the country and encouraged citizens to collect them during the weekend. The department framed the measure as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to services and ensure eligible South Africans have the identity documents they need to exercise their democratic rights.

“We encourage all South Africans who still need a Smart ID Card, or who have been notified that their Smart ID Card is ready for collection, to make use of this opportunity. An ID is not only essential for participating in our democracy, but also serves as a gateway to opportunities, services and economic participation,” Schreiber said.

Home Affairs @ home vision

Schreiber said the initiative forms part of the department’s broader Home Affairs @ home vision. “Through initiatives such as this, and as part of our broader Home Affairs @ home vision, we are bringing services closer to the people while advancing our commitment to delivering dignity for all,” he said.

What the department is asking

The department encouraged citizens to visit their nearest Home Affairs office during the voter registration weekend and to avoid waiting until the last minute to obtain or collect Smart ID Cards.