Mangaung, Free State – The Department of Home Affairs has announced extended operating hours for the upcoming voter registration weekend on 18 and 19 November 2023. This initiative is in preparation for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

According to South African Government News Agency, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza will visit the Mangaung Home Affairs office this Friday to assess the readiness for the voter registration weekend.

Deputy Minister Nzuza will be accompanied by Bongani Lawrence Mathae, the Speaker of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. The primary goal of this visit is to ensure that the office is well-prepared to assist eligible voters with ID services and related support during the registration weekend. The extended operating hours, from 08:00 to 17:00, will align with those of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to facilitate this process.

The key service to be provided includes ID collection and application. Additionally, Temporary Identification Certificates will be issued immediately to individuals who have lost or misplaced their IDs, which are essential for voter registration and voting. The Department of Home Affairs emphasizes the importance of this weekend for clients and eligible voters who have applied for IDs, urging them to collect their documents during this period.

To manage the expected increase in visitors, Home Affairs has implemented dedicated counters for ID and passport collections in larger offices. Furthermore, to streamline services, clients can book collection appointments through the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) available on the department’s website.

The department has also made provisions for ‘walk-ins’ to accommodate those unable to book appointments in advance. These clients will receive assistance with ID and passport collections or applications for Temporary Identification Certificates.