Home Affairs extends office hours ahead of voter registration weekend

Home Affairs has announced an extension of operating hours this weekend, allowing an additional two hours to accommodate the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) final voter registration drive. The second national voter registration program is scheduled for February 3 and 4 (Saturday and Sunday), providing another opportunity for South Africans who couldn't register during the initial drive in November 2023. To facilitate this, Home Affairs will open its offices for an extra two hours on Friday, from 4 pm to 6 pm, specifically for ID collection. On Saturday and Sunday, offices will be operational from 8 am to 5 pm. The services offered during this period include ID applications and collections, along with applications for Temporary Identification Certificates (TICs) issued on the spot at a cost of R70. Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza mentioned that these documents would enable eligible voters to register for the 2024 national and provincial elections. Additionally, the public can book collection appointments through the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) on www.dha.gov.za, or they can visit their nearest Home Affairs office without an appointment. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza, encouraged young people to utilize this opportunity and visit the offices during the extended hours to apply for or collect their documents, ensuring their participation in the voter registration process.