As the country celebrates 30 years of democracy and freedom on Saturday, 27 April, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) could not have waited for a better time to open new offices at the Pavilion Shopping Centre to better serve the community.
Having an ID (identity document) confirms one’s identity and allows one to exercise their democratic right to vote, with the new Pavilion DHA office – one of three opened at a shopping mall – allowing for more convenient and efficient services.
Thulani Mavuso, deputy director general in the Operation Unit at DHA, said that the new office indicates that the government is ready and willing to work with the private sector.
The DHA Pavilion office is located in an area accessible to people from all walks of life, providing a convenient and user-friendly option with efficient parking and access to clean and safe ablution facilities.
Mavuso said: “The opening of the office is part of the government’s effort to increase the DHA’s footprint and eradicate service delivery issues in eThekwini. The partnership between DHA and Pareto Retail Property Group has been beneficial and plans are underway to open more offices on the group’s properties.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Malose Kekana, group chief executive officer of Pareto Limited, emphasised the pivotal role of partnerships in supporting efficient service delivery.
Kekana said: “This collaboration signifies a transformative approach to public service provision. By combining the expertise and resources of the private sector with the government mandate, we can create innovative solutions that benefit the community at large.”
The Department of Home Affairs at Pavilion Shopping Centre offers a wide range of services, including applications for smart IDs and passports alongside access to the Branch Appointment Booking System for added convenience. This strategic placement brings essential services closer to the community and redefines the Home Affairs experience as efficient, comfortable and seamlessly integrated with retail and dining options.
Since the start of operations, the office has procured over 200 smart ID applications.
Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs, expressed his enthusiasm for the strategic partnership, emphasising its potential to elevate essential civic services to new heights of convenience and luxury. He assured the people of KZN that his department would launch a new fleet of mobile offices to provide services to communities in remote areas.
The Minister encouraged everyone to report officials who refuse to assist them at DHA offices because they do not have an online booking.
“The Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), or online booking system, was introduced to reduce waiting hours but everybody is welcome to access DHA services whether they have booked or not,” he emphasised.
The new DHA offices are located on the -3 parking level, below the escalators, near NuMetro. Offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8am to 3.30pm, and on the last Wednesday of each month, from 9am to 3.30pm. To book an appointment, visit www.services.dha.gov.za.
