Just weeks before the country’s general elections, there are still 105,000 new-issue smart identification (ID) cards due for collection at the Department of Home Affairs offices.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi attributed the high number of uncollected new-issue ID cards to the fact that most citizens who apply for smartcards still have old green identity booklets. He said because citizens are able to use the green barcoded booklets, they are not in a hurry to collect smart ID cards.
Motsoaledi was responding to a written parliamentary question from EFF member of parliament Laetitia Arries.
Arries wanted to know what interventions were in place at Home Affairs to ensure that ID cards were collected before the May 29 general election.
Extended operating hours on days leading up to election day
Motsoaledi said the department’s offices have been operating on Saturdays from 8am to 3pm since April 6. This to encourage citizens to collect their ID cards. The minister also said offices will open on Saturdays until May 25.
On May 25, the last Saturday before the general election, Motsoaledi, said the offices will be open for additional hours, from 8am to 5pm.
“[An] additional three hours per day of service delivery on May 27 and 28 will be effected.
“On election day, May 29, Home Affairs will extend its operational hours. This is in line with the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission),” he said.
He added that mobile units will be deployed to far-flung areas where Home Affairs does not have presence.
Deadline for special votes
South Africa will hold its seventh provincial and national elections on May 29. This year’s elections also take place on the 30th anniversary of the country’s first democratic elections.
South Africans who are eligible for special votes are encouraged to apply. It’s only hours left before the deadline for applications for special votes close on May 3.
To apply for a special vote, you need to be a registered South African voter. You also need to have a valid South African green barcoded ID book or smartcard ID.
