The Department of Home Affairs has announced that its offices will be operational during the national lockdown, offering limited services, at limited hours.

Offices will open from 10:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday, except for offices in Thusong Centres.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has said that Home Affairs will be operational during the lockdown with skeleton staff.

He explained that these staff members will only be permitted to distribute temporary Identity Certificates and re-issue Birth Certificates and Death Certificates. He stated that any other applications will resume after the lockdown has been lifted.

The Department extended its gratitude to Home Affairs officials who are working during the lockdown and has also urged all South African communities to be safe and to stay home to combat the spread of the coronavirus.