Minister officially opens Pavilion Home Affairs office

THE Minister of Home Affairs says The Pavilion sets a new standard with the launch of a Department of Home Affairs at the shopping mall.

Dr Aaron Motsoaledi officially opened the Home Affairs office at Pavilion Shopping Centre today, Monday, April 22. The new office will offer application and collections services for IDs and passports.

The minister said the clients will have the convenience of applying for the services when they visit the shopping centre.

He said, “The opening of this branch will bring services closer to where our people shop, bank, eat, stay, play and work. For us, first and foremost, this office will bring dignity to our people.”

Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who was also present at the launch, said this office will ease the long queues at the uMngeni, Pinetown and CBD offices as many people will make use of the convenience of this facility.

“To have a government office in a shopping centre will change how people perceive and interact with government. It will bring efficiency and agility,” she said.

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Apart from being the first Super Regional Shopping Centre, The Pavilion is an iconic family-focused mall that is conveniently located. The Pavilion has distinguished itself as a recognisable landmark since its opening in October 1993.

Affectionately referred to as The Pav by locals, it is advantageously positioned on the N3 National Highway and main public corridor. It is easily accessible to those living around Westville, Pinetown, Durban South, Durban Central and KZN’s capital, Pietermaritzburg, with a 30-minute drive from the King Shaka International Airport, making it a convenient key destination.

The Pavilion Shopping Centre property owner, Pareto Limited, said they are proud to announce a ground-breaking partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, bringing essential government services directly to the surrounding communities.

The centre said this collaboration marks a significant milestone in creating customer value through convenience and redefining the standard for customer experience in essential services.

Through an innovative partnership with Pareto, The Pavilion is now the first Super Regional Shopping Centre in Durban to offer integrated government services in a retail environment, strategically enabling The Pavilion to provide a wide range of essential services all under one roof.

“By welcoming the Department of Home Affairs into The Pavilion, we are not only enhancing convenience but also transforming errands into enjoyable experiences for every member of the family,” said general manager Vicky Deppe.

Now, with the addition of government services, such as smart card ID and passport applications, they are further enhancing convenience and accessibility for the community.

“This partnership underscores Pareto’s commitment to serving the community in ways that go beyond traditional boundaries. We invite the community to embrace this new era of convenience and efficiency,” said Group CEO Malose Kekana.

“We encourage customers to experience the seamless blend of essential services and lifestyle at The Pavilion Shopping Centre.”

The Home Affairs offices are situated in the Minus 3 Parking Level, below the escalators, near Nu Metro. Operating hours are from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 15:30. The office is open from 09:00 to 15:30 on the last Wednesday of the month.

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