The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced an extension of its operating hours ahead of the voter registration weekend, which takes place on November 18 and 19, to allow for the collection of IDs and passports.

In a statement issued today, the DHA urged people who have applied for an ID and have been waiting for three weeks or more to seize this opportunity and collect their document.

Offices will be open tomorrow and on Saturday, November 11, from 08:00 to 13:00 on each of these days, exclusively for the collection of smart ID cards and passports, the department said.

In anticipation of the voter registration weekend, to ease pressure on citizens and help reduce queues, the department has introduced dedicated counters at its larger offices that process smart IDs and passports.

People can also book collection appointments online, via the Branch Appointment Booking System.

ID services will also be available at all Home Affairs offices during the voter registration weekend.

Home Affairs operating hours will be aligned with those of the Electoral Commission to assist voters who need to collect their ID or apply for a temporary ID. Temporary IDs are issued on the spot.