The Department of Home Affairs have extended their operational hours across the country, by two hours, from 8am till 5.30pm until Friday, 15 July. This will give an opportunity to learners, 16 years old and above, to visit the offices during the school holidays.
The operating hours were approved by Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. The extended hours will assist the public for the application and collection of smart ID cards and passports. The offices will be closed over the weekend. The list of branches in KZN that will offer extended operational hours are: Dundee, Durban, Emondlo, Empangeni, Estcourt, Hluhliwe, Ixopo, Kokstad, Ladysmith, Mbazwana, Mtubatuba, New Hanover, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Pongola, Port Shepstone, Porpecton, Richards Bay, Scottburgh, Stanger, Tongaat, Ulundi, Umgeni, Imzimkhulu, Vryheid.
“It is part of our many strategies to eliminate long queues at our offices while ensuring that people receive the enabling documents they apply for. We will ensure that every client that is inside these selected offices at the time of closing receives service,” said Siya Qoza, the Ministerial Spokesperson.
Parents are reminded that kids must apply for smart ID cards when turning 16 years old or wait until the child is 18 years of age and in matric. No fee or photographs are required as they will be provided free of charge at the office. This temporary arrangement is for weekdays only and all services will continue to be provided during this period and beyond.
