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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 07 Nov 2008 Title: Home Affairs extends hours -------------------- By Nthambeleni Gabara and Luyanda Makapela Pretoria - The Department of Home Affairs has extended the operation hours at its offices around the country in preparation for voter registration. "In preparation for the voter registration for the 8 and 9 November 2008, all Department of Home Affairs offices will be opened between 7am to 5pm to assist with all ID related issues," Minister of Public Service and Administration Richard Baloyi said during the Governance and Administration Cluster briefing at the Union Buildings on Friday. Departmental spokesperson Siobhan McCarthy said this week, apart from assisting residents who wished to apply for and to collect IDs, Temporary Identity Certificates (TIC) would also be issued immediately to enable citizens to register to vote. However, they will be subject to verification of the applicant's fingerprints. The TIC is valid for three months and can be used as a form of identity verification, while the application for a green bar-coded ID is being processed. The green bar-coded ID is the only proof of identity that enables all eligible voters to register to vote. "Staff members will be dispatched to Head Office to provide back office support with processing of applications at over 260 local offices and service points across the country," she said. The department has launched a number of initiatives in order to ensure that citizens were able to obtain identity documents which include the launch of the Grade 12 ID campaigns which has resulted in 97 176 IDs being issued since the campaign started, said Minister Baloyi. The department has also introduced several measures to speed up the application process of IDs. A new Online Fingerprint Verification system now allows front line staff to approve applicants' fingerprints on the spot when applying for a re-issue of an Identity Document. The Track and Trace System allows clients to check how far in the processing queue their IDs are by means of an SMS. To receive an update of their ID application status, clients will need to sms the word "ID" leave space and followed by the ID number to 32551. The department's website at www.dha.gov.za also has a link to Track and Trace on the homepage. - BuaNews |
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