More offices to issue Smart ID cards
The high demand for the new cards resulted in the Richards Bay office being swamped.
SMART ID cards are now being issued in Empangeni and eShowe.
Home Affairs District Manager: Operations, uThungulu, Sikhosiphi Dlamini, said the issuing of the smart ID card had now taken a step forward in Zululand.
‘Initially only the Richards Bay office offered smart ID cards, but since February both Empangeni and eShowe offices do so as well. ‘We urge the public to make use of these offices,’ Dlamini said.
He added that the high demand for the new cards resulted in the Richards Bay office being swamped.
‘This was compounded by the slowness of the system and the down times experienced as a result of load-shedding which affected our network. We appeal for patience and understanding.’
He said the smart ID cards were issued free to first time applicants and pensioners, but thereafter a fee of R140 applied.
As a convenience for mothers who have given birth, Dlamini said Home Affairs, with the assistance of the Department of Health, had established offices in health facilities with maternity wards.
This he said was done to ensure that parents registered their children before leaving. The department has resolved that with effect from 1 April, children born in connected health facilities must be registered there.
‘We therefore appeal to mothers to make use of Home Affairs offices in the Lower Umfolozi War Memorial Hospital, eShowe and Nkandla health facilities to register their children’s birth.’
Dlamini said from Monday the new Home Affairs operational hours will come into effect at large and medium-sized offices – 8am to 4pm Mondays to Fridays, and 8.30am to 12.30 on Saturdays. On the last Wednesday of the month the opening time will only be at 9am to allow for staff meetings and training.
