Home Affairs extends operating hours during the September-October school holidays
For Durbanites who still have their green ID books, these September school holidays could be the perfect time to visit a Home Affairs branch and apply for a Smart ID.
If replacing your green ID book has been sitting on your to-do list, the September/October school holidays could be the perfect opportunity to finally get it done.
Home Affairs has extended its operating hours, giving South Africans more time to visit branches for essential services, including ID applications. The offices will be operating until 6pm on weekdays.
The extended hours come at an important time for South Africans who are still using the old green barcoded ID book.
On Thursday, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced plans to phase out the green ID book as the department moves towards Smart ID cards.
"The continued use of the green ID book is irreconcilable with the functioning of a modern society. Therefore, I am today announcing that the Department of Home Affairs will cease production of the green ID book by the 31st of March 2027," said Schreiber.
The minister added that the ID book will become invalid from 31 March 2028.
The department has been working towards replacing the green barcoded ID book with the more secure Smart ID card, which it says is less susceptible to fraud.
With the local government elections coming up on 4 November, the department has urged citizens without IDs to apply.
An identity document is needed for many important aspects of everyday life, from accessing certain services and applying for opportunities to proving your identity when dealing with government and other institutions.
The good news is that with the extended operating hours at Home Affairs, you may not have to take time off work to visit a branch.
The extended hours allow people who work during normal office hours an opportunity to visit a branch later in the day.
Parents of eligible learners are also encouraged to take advantage of the extended hours and bring their children to apply for their IDs during the school holidays.
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