With just a few weeks to go until the 2024 elections, the Department of Home Affairs has publicized the nation`s identification document (ID) process.
The department acknowledges the critical role of voter identification in facilitating participation and ensuring electoral fairness.
Delays and inefficiencies at Home Affairs have historically impeded the democratic right to vote, particularly affecting those in rural areas.
In November 2023, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi attributed the lengthy queues at Home Affairs offices to system failures within the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) system.
He announced that measures were being implemented to enhance productivity at Home Affairs. Among these initiatives are new virtual interactive self-service machines to be deployed across all nine provinces, which, however, will only be available for re-issuing IDs.
Additionally, an online system for scheduling appointments has been introduced.
Several procedures have been established to expedite the ID process, including the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), accessible via the Department of Home Affairs website, and a collection service system for applying and re-issuing IDs.
The department has also extended its office hours to include Saturdays for ID collections ahead of the elections.
Many individuals who have faced bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining necessary documents have praised this initiative.
The changes have markedly improved the situation, with some citizens expressing relief and gratitude for the newfound efficiency.
Mzwakhe Khumalo, a resident of Umlazi, shared his experience: `I have been trying to update my ID for months. I was concerned that I would not be

able to vote as the elections draw near. With this announcement, I`ll finally be able to contribute to determining our nation`s future,` said Khumalo.
The accelerated ID process has enhanced accessibility and convenience in urban areas, where long lines and administrative delays were once common. `Before the recent changes, I used to dread going to Home Affairs, but now everything proceeds much more smoothly,` said Siphesihle Madlala, a student at DUT.
`I can now focus on researching the candidates and making an informed decision.`
However, some locals remain sceptical.
Thandiwe Ngwenya from the Durban CBD expressed her frustration: `I missed a crucial interview because I could not receive my documents in time due to long queues and system outages. I was asked to return the next day. Delays like these have a significant impact on many people`s lives. We need improvement and accountability.`
Echoing this sentiment, Snenhlanhla Zuma, a resident of Davenport, commented, `I had to wait hours just to apply for a new ID. It`s not acceptable, especially with the elections approaching. The government must ensure that Home Affairs services are effective and accessible to everyone.`
Despite these challenges, there is a recognition of progress. `I have noticed improvements in service delivery at Home Affairs,` said Zuma. `While it is essential to push for further reforms to address recurring issues, we must also acknowledge the progress made.`
The public is calling for firm commitments to enhance productivity, reduce waiting times, and ensure fair access to essential documents. V.5332

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is investigating corruption between home affairs officals and foreign nationals The Hawks and Special Investigating Unit (SIU) raided several home affairs offices across the country on Friday as part of investigations into alleged maladministration and corruption. Minister Aaron Motsoaledi was part of an operation at an office in Pretoria and told eNCA that similar raids were taking place in other locations after information received by a whistleblower. “The corruption is done by officials here and foreign nationals who don’t deserve to be in South Africa but have lots of money to bribe,” he said. V.5363
Click here for full article

Home Affairs Refugee Centres are being raided by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and the Hawks. (Alex Mitchley/News24) • The Special Investigating Unit has raided home affairs refugee centres around the country. • Home affairs officials` cellphones have been seized. • SIU boss, advocate Andy Mothibi, and Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi were present at the Pretoria raid. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) simultaneously raided all five of South Africa`s refugee centres on Friday morning as part of a corruption probe. It is understood that the unit is investigating corruption linked to the issuing of asylum and refugee papers to foreign nationals entering South Africa. V.5364
Click here for full article

Applying for critical skills work visa in South Africa as an artisan has been a challenge for the longest time. In 2014 when the current amendments to the Immigration Act were gazetted several gaps were identified in the Act which included the absence of a SAQA accredited professional body to register artisans. ECSA was not an option due to their minimum NQF criteria of 5 which was a notch above the rating being given by SAQA for artisans. There was a time letters issued by the National Artisan Moderation Body, (NAMB), were sufficient and then they were not. There was a time when registration with the South African Institute of Draughting was good enough and then it wasn’t. V.5365
Click here for full article

You might have obtained your work permit recently and second-guessing whether your visa is valid or not, this is a tricky situation to be in. There are many people out there who pretend to be immigration consultants or immigration lawyers only to scam you and issue you with a fake visa. The worst is being arrested or being detained in South Africa for something that you are not responsible and the Department of Home Affairs is coming down hard on these individuals. Many who don’t qualify for the critical skills are always looking at applying for the general work visa for South Africa and thus one of the most popular options to forge it because of how difficult it is to obtain it. While this could be true many temporary residence permits are forged throughout South Africa. V.5366
Click here for full article

Legal permission to work in South Africa is accessed by getting a visa. In you case it can be a relatives visa, spousal visa or life partner visa The whole question How I, a Zimbabwean man, can get a visa to be able to stay in South Africa and care for my seven-month-old child and her mother, when my critical skills visa expires in March and I cannot renew it as the skills list was changed this year. The long answer There are three possible visas: • Relatives visa; • Spousal visa; • Life partner visa. V.5367
Click here for full article

What is Permanent Residence? • What is Permanent Residence? • Can you buy permanent residency in South Africa? • What is Independent financial permit in South Africa? o But what does it mean to be financially independent? o There are many benefits with this visa when obtaining permanent residency such as: • How much do I need to invest in South Africa to get permanent residence? o What are examples of assets that could be counted as net-worth assets? • Can I add my family to the visa? o What do I need to add them to the visa? • What are the government fees for the visa? • • What happens if I dont qualify for the visa? V.5368
Click here for full article

Starting a business as a foreigner in South Africa can be an arduous task without enlisting professional help. There are a number of ‘hoops’ that must be circumvented and the process can be time consuming and a distraction from the all important task of establishing your business. At SA Migration Immigration we have assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs with their ambition to create a business in South Africa and are able to boast of an unrivalled track record of success, all based on what we believe to be the most comprehensive service available. Below we detail the important aspects of starting a business as a foreigner in South Africa but if you prefer to talk to a human being to discuss your needs, feel free to call us on any our contact numbers V.5369
Click here for full article

Table of Contents 1.What is eHomeAffairs? 2.Step-by-Step Guide to Using eHomeAffairs for Your Smart ID Online Application 3.What Do I Need to Start My Smart ID Online Application? 4.Bank Branches Offering Smart IDs 5.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The South African Department of Home Affairs has introduced the eHomeAffairs portal, which is a significant advancement in streamlining the Smart ID online application process. This detailed guide delves into the user-friendly features of the platform, making Smart ID and passport applications convenient and accessible at just a click of a button. V.5358
Click here for full article

Bureaucratic procedures and a whole lot of red tape are the only things standing between Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka and potential call-ups to the Springboks squad this year. To the average local sports fan, the Tshituka’s are just a set of brothers casually dominating rugby games for the Lions and Sharks, respectively. But there’s way more to their story and in order for them to reach their potential on the rugby field, the South African government in general, and the Department of Home Affairs in particular, need to come to the party. V.5359
Click here for full article

Foreign companies are leaving South Africa due to a hostile business environment, and the government’s response to recent departures discourages future investment. This is according to Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso, who explained in her most recent newsletter that the more attractive a country is, the more often you can expect investment to be made than withdrawn. “You can expect that foreign investors will come and go from South Africa, depending on many things, including global strategies and our links to the rest of the world,” she said. “But while decisions are inevitably going to happen both ways, the more attractive our country is, the more often you can expect investment to be made than withdrawn.” V.5360
Click here for full article