Home Affairs extends office hours ahead of November 4 local government elections

With local government election day approaching, the Department of Home Affairs is extending operating hours at its front offices to help eligible voters obtain the identity documents needed to participate in the November 4 polls.

The department announced that offices will operate from 8am to 6pm between November 2 and 4, allowing citizens to collect completed identity documents, apply for identity documents or obtain Temporary Identity Certificates (TICs), where applicable.

On election day, Wednesday, November 4, Home Affairs offices will open earlier at 7am and close at 9pm, in line with the Electoral Commission of South Africa's operational hours.

The extended hours are intended to give eligible voters additional opportunities to access the necessary documentation before casting their ballots.

The department has urged people who have already applied for identity documents to collect them ahead of election day.

It has also called on stakeholder forums, community organisations and community leaders to work with residents and encourage eligible voters to collect their documents or obtain temporary documentation where necessary.

The department's intervention aims to reduce documentation-related barriers for citizens seeking to exercise their right to vote.