The Department of Home Affairs is going the extra mile—quite literally in terms of operating hours—to support the upcoming Voter Registration Weekend.
Home Affairs weekend operating hours extended
This Friday, offices will stay open an additional two hours, and the weekend will see doors open from the crack of dawn at 08:00 until the curtains draw at 17:00.
The move is laser-focused on helping citizens collect their IDs, a crucial step for those planning to make their voices heard in the 2024 general elections.
Why the sudden generosity with time? It’s all about ensuring every eligible voter gets a fair shot at participating in the electoral process. Temporary Identification Certificates, available on the spot for a mere R70, alongside ID applications and collections, are the weekend’s hot tickets.
Plus, with the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) now online, getting your document sorted is easier than ever—though walk-ins are still welcome.
Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza put it bluntly, emphasising the push to get young South Africans, in particular, to pick up their pens—figuratively and literally—by applying or collecting their necessary documents this weekend.
But let’s put things into perspective: as of now, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) beams with pride as the voter’s roll hits a historic 27 million registrations.
This milestone, a first in South Africa’s democratic journey, comes ahead of the final voter registration drive this weekend.
The IEC, in a display of outreach, didn’t stop at the average citizen; even inmates had their chance to register, highlighting the inclusivity of this electoral push.
As the clock ticks down to the Voter Registration Weekend, the anticipation is palpable.
The Home Affairs’ extended hours serve as a bridge, shortening the gap between eligible voters and their ability to participate in shaping the nation’s future.