The Department of Home Affairs has announced extended operating hours at offices across South Africa to accommodate increased demand for Smart ID card applications and collections.
According to a public notice issued by the department, all Home Affairs offices offering Smart ID card services will operate for two additional hours daily, from 16:00 to 18:00, between 5 and 16 January.
HOME AFFAIRS EXTENDS OPERATING HOURS FOR SMART ID APPLICATIONS
The move is aimed at easing pressure on frontline services during the peak post-festive season, when many South Africans seek to apply for or collect identity documents ahead of the new working and school year.
Home Affairs said the extended hours will apply nationwide at offices that provide Smart ID card services. Members of the public are encouraged to book appointments online via the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) to reduce waiting times and ensure smoother service delivery.
MODERNISATION AND SERVICE DELIVERY IMPROVEMENTS
The extension of operating hours forms part of the Department of Home Affairs’ broader drive to modernise civic services and improve efficiency. In recent years, the department has expanded the rollout of Smart ID cards, which offer enhanced security features and are intended to replace the older green barcoded ID books.
Home Affairs has also strengthened its digital platforms, allowing citizens to pre-apply online, book appointments, and track applications electronically, measures designed to reduce queues and turnaround times at physical offices.
BROADER REFORMS UNDERWAY
Beyond identity services, the department has made strides in immigration management, border security and civic registration, including the rollout of digital visas and improvements to birth and death registration systems.
These reforms form part of a wider government effort to build a capable and secure national population register, which is seen as critical to service delivery, economic participation and national security.
The department said it will continue to explore measures such as extended hours and process automation to improve public access to services, particularly during high-demand periods.