Solly Msimanga concerned about delays in processing visas and permits

Source: Sandton Chronicle, 16/11/2018

RIVONIA �` Following an oversight visit to Rivonia, Msimanga is
concerned that there is a delay in issuing permits and visas.

Solly Msimanga says the delay in issuing visas and permits is concerning.
Solly Msimanga, current Tshwane mayor and candidate for Gauteng
Premiere, said that delays in issuing visas and permits are worrying,
following an oversight visit to Rivonia.
The oversight visit was conducted at the offices of VFS Global which
are out-sourced by the Department of Home Affairs to assist with
processing visas and permits. This was done to help ease some of the
burdens on the Department of Home Affairs.
Jacques Julius, the Democratic Alliance’s Team One spokesperson on
immigration said that the waiting time of visas to be issued is still
a concern of theirs. Although the task was outsourced to VFS to reduce
delays, it appears this is still a problem. “We welcome all documented
immigrants to South Africa, we want to create a situation where it’s
very smooth and easy for people to enter this country because we know
the benefits of a proper immigration system.”
Msimanga highlighted that although this system is meant to reduce
delays, it is a paid-for service, which means it is not necessarily
accessible to every person hoping to obtain a permit. Msimanga said
that one of their key concerns is that many people may not be able to
afford the service and are unwilling to stand in queues at Home
Affairs offices for days on end, therefore not obtaining any
documentation at all.
“The system that they have here is of great quality that in my mind is
something that Home Affairs should have done in the first place and
how to process documents for people and make it more efficient and
user-friendly so that people can have a good experience when they are
at Home Affairs.”
Msimanga added that the management of VFS Global explained that their
duty is only to receive the applications and ensure that all the
required documents are attached to the application and the final
decision still lies with the Department of Home Affairs.