NATIONAL NEWS - The Department of Home Affairs will extend the operating hours at offices across the country this weekend in support of the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) voter registration weekend.

All Home Affairs offices will be open from 08:00 to 17:00 on Saturday 20 June, and at the same time on Sunday 21 June.

Citizens are encouraged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office to apply for a Smart ID card or collect a Smart ID if it is ready for collection. More than 370 000 Smart ID cards are currently awaiting collection at Home Affairs offices nationwide.

The extended operating hours form part of the department’s ongoing efforts to improve access to services and ensure that all eligible South Africans have the identity documents they need to exercise their democratic rights.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said this weekend presents an important opportunity for South Africans to ensure they are ready to exercise one of their most fundamental democratic rights. 

“By extending the 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.”

All South Africans who still need a Smart ID card, or who have been notified that their Smart ID card is ready for collection, is asked 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.

The department encourages citizens to visit their nearest Home Affairs office this weekend and avoid waiting until the last minute to obtain or collect their Smart ID cards.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’