Download the Pondoland Times app for breaking Eastern Cape news, community updates, jobs, and important stories from around you.
The Department of Home Affairs has announced extended office hours from 07 to 21 July 2025 to accommodate increased demand during the school holidays. Offices will now close at 18:00 on weekdays, two hours later than the usual 16:00 closing time.
The extension is aimed particularly at assisting learners who need to apply for or collect Smart ID Cards while schools are closed. This effort forms part of a broader strategy to improve service delivery and ease pressure on clients during peak periods.
In addition, large Home Affairs offices equipped to process Smart ID Cards and passports will have dedicated counters for collections, where space permits. This move is intended to streamline operations and reduce waiting times for clients collecting their documents.
To avoid long queues, the Department encourages clients to make use of the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), accessible through the Home Affairs website at www.dha.gov.za. However, walk-ins are still welcome for those unable to secure an appointment online.
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, urged members of the public to take advantage of this period. “I would like to encourage all clients who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more, to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents at their convenience,” he said.
The Department hopes this initiative will help clear backlogs and provide timely access to vital identity documents, especially for young South Africans preparing for future academic or employment opportunities.
GET IMPORTANT UPDATES FIRST
Stay informed with news on agriculture, funding opportunities and jobs — so you don’t miss chances that could improve your income and future.
