South Africans urged to get IDs ahead of November elections

South Africans who are eligible to vote but still need identity documents (IDs) are being urged to apply to the Department of Home Affairs ahead of the Local Government Elections on November 4.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said a valid ID is essential for democratic participation and encouraged citizens to make use of improved services to apply for and collect their documents.

“A valid ID holds the key to democratic participation in the upcoming elections. Home Affairs has dramatically expanded access to this critical service by rolling out digitalised Smart ID services at over 450 bank branches in just five months.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Jub Jub misses Germiston court appearance over alleged firearm incident

“I call upon South Africans to make use of our vastly improved services to apply for – and collect – their IDs without delay,” Schreiber said.

Those who have already applied for an ID but have not yet collected it are also urged to do so.

The department called on citizens who need to replace lost or damaged identity documents to use Home Affairs offices or any of the more than 450 participating bank branches.

“Citizens who still need to replace a lost or damaged identity document ahead of the elections are urged to make use of Home Affairs offices or the more than 450 participating bank branches to acquire their documents and not wait until the last minute,” the department said.

Residents can visit the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal to find their nearest participating bank branch.

The department also encouraged citizens who already have identity documents to remind family members, friends and colleagues who do not yet have Smart IDs to apply and collect their documents ahead of the elections.