My son is living in the United Kingdom.
He is getting married on August 17, in the United States, and asked me to obtain an unabridged birth certificate for him.
I browsed the internet to find out other people’s experiences and some applications took longer than four months.
I braced myself and set off for the Department of Home Affairs on the morning of July 9.
From the security guard to the woman at the information counter, the service I received was excellent.
When it was time to make payment, the cashier announced it would cost R75, but I only had R70 with me as I do not carry cash.
The woman at the information counter gave me R5.
I then handed the application plus proof of payment to Christine Dube who marked the application “Urgent”.
I left Home Affairs confident that I would receive the certificate before I left South Africa for the wedding on August 5.
I drew money and returned to pay the woman at information.
This morning I received a message to advise me that the unabridged birth certificate was ready for collection.
I immediately went to Home Affairs where I collected the certificate from Christine.
My congratulations go to the staff for the efficient way they operate the Benoni office.
