Home Affairs extends operating hours ahead of November 4 elections - IOL

The Department of Home Affairs will extend office hours ahead of the November 4 local government elections, allowing eligible voters to collect identity documents or obtain Temporary Identity Certificates.

Home Affairs offices will stay open until 9pm on election day to allow eligible voters to collect identity documents or obtain temporary certificates needed to vote in the November 4 local government elections.

The Department of Home Affairs said its front offices would operate from 8 am to 6 pm from November 2 to 4, with extended hours of 7 am to 9 pm on Wednesday, November 4, in line with the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) operating hours.

The arrangements will allow citizens to collect completed identity documents, apply for identity documents or obtain Temporary Identity Certificates (TICs), where applicable.

Home Affairs urged South Africans who have already applied for identity documents to collect them before election day to ensure they can exercise their right to vote.

The department called on stakeholder forums, community structures and community leaders to work with communities to encourage eligible voters to collect their identity documents or obtain the necessary temporary documentation before the polls.

Home Affairs head of communication Ndileka Cola said the extended hours were intended to ensure eligible voters had access to the identity documents required to participate in the elections.

“The extended hours will enable eligible voters to collect their identity documents or apply for identity documents and Temporary Identity Certificates (TICs),” Cola said.

The department said the extended operating hours would apply at all its front offices during the specified period.