Hope Ntanzi | Published 14 minutes ago
The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours at offices across the country this weekend in support of the Electoral Commission of South Africa's Voter Registration Weekend.
Home Affairs offices nationwide 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.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the extended operating hours would make it easier for South Africans to obtain the identity documents needed to register and participate in the democratic process.
"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.
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.
"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.
The department said the extended operating hours form part of 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.
Schreiber said the initiative also 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.
The department encouraged 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.
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