The Department of Home Affairs has sanctioned a temporary extension of operating times by two hours at their front offices from 08:00 to 17:30 from Tuesday, to manage the demand for smart ID cards and passport services.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that the extension also applied to the modernised live capture offices that process smart ID cards and passports.

“The Department usually receives a higher volume of applications during school holidays. To meet demand during this period, we have extended operating hours,” Motsoaledi said.