The Department of Home Affairs has renewed its call for South Africans to collect their unclaimed Smart ID cards, warning that thousands of documents remain at Home Affairs offices across the country awaiting collection.
Also see: SABC 2 moves Afrikaans news to prime evening slot amid content shake-up
Home Affairs stacks up on IDs
According to the department, many citizens have successfully applied for smart ID cards but have not returned to collect them. Officials say the accumulation of uncollected cards places unnecessary pressure on storage facilities and delays the efficient management of identity document services.
This urge comes after the Electoral Commission’s voter registration weekend, when they urged South Africans to register to vote in this year’s upcoming local elections.
According to EWN, the department reportedly processed nearly 6,000 new smart ID card applications this past weekend, but only around 3,700 cards were collected.
Also see: Effective ways to overcome the fear of failure
Spokesperson Thulani Mavuso said, “The volumes of green ID books are very low, so the ones that I think citizens are collecting the most are the smart ID cards, so we encourage people to continue to come to our offices to collect.”
Home Affairs has also reiterated its commitment to expanding access to smart ID services through bank branches and digital platforms, making it easier for citizens to apply for and collect their identification documents.
South African applicants are advised to bring the required proof of identity when collecting their cards and to verify collection procedures with their local Home Affairs office.
Also see: Power struggle intensifies as Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela challenge MK Party
Featured image: Getty
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
