Enhanced Service Delivery by Home Affairs
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is taking proactive measures to improve service delivery by extending its operating hours, allowing citizens to collect their IDs and passports in preparation for the upcoming Voter Registration Weekend.
Extended Operating Hours for Collection
In an effort to better accommodate the public, the DHA will open its offices on Saturday, November 4, and Saturday, November 11, 2023, for a five-hour window from 8:00 to 13:00 on each of these days.
These special Saturday hours are exclusively designated for the collection of smart ID cards and passports.
Efficiency Measures and Streamlining Collections
To alleviate pressure on clients and minimize long queues, Home Affairs has introduced dedicated counters for collections in its larger offices, which process Smart ID Cards and passports.
This strategic step aims to streamline the collection process and ensure a more efficient service for the public.
Online Booking System for Collection Appointments
Furthermore, clients now have the option to book collection appointments in advance through the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), accessible on the DHA website.
This online booking system facilitates better planning for client visits and reduces wait times.
Even those who do not book appointments can still visit as walk-ins and will receive assistance in collecting their IDs and passports.
ID Services During Voter Registration Weekend
During the Voter Registration Weekend on November 18 and 19, 2023, ID services will be available at all Home Affairs offices.
The operating hours will align with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to assist voters in collecting their IDs or applying for Temporary Identification Certificates, which are issued on the spot.
These documents are essential for eligible voters to register for the 2024 national and provincial elections.
Encouragement for Clients Awaiting ID Documents
The DHA encourages clients who have been waiting for their identification documents for three weeks or more to make use of this opportunity.
The statement emphasizes the convenience and importance of collecting these critical documents at clients’ convenience, whether on the specified Saturdays or during the weekend of November 18-19, 2023.
The Department of Home Affairs’ initiatives to enhance service delivery, including extending operating hours, introducing dedicated counters, and implementing an online booking system, are significant steps toward improving efficiency and meeting the needs of citizens.
This proactive approach aligns with the department’s commitment to providing a convenient and accessible service.
The coordination of ID services with the upcoming Voter Registration Weekend highlights the importance of identification documents in democratic processes, emphasizing the DHA’s role in facilitating citizens’ participation in elections.
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