Home Affairs offices across South Africa will open this weekend to assist citizens with Smart ID Card applications and collections. Image: Supplied.
IEC
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South Africa
Home Affairs extends weekend hours to support voter registration drive
Home Affairs offices across South Africa will open this weekend to assist citizens with Smart ID Card applications and collections, as the department joins efforts to support the Electoral Commission's Voter Registration Weekend.
The Department of Home Affairs has announced that all its offices nationwide will operate extended hours this weekend to support the Electoral Commission of South Africa's Voter Registration Weekend.
Home Affairs offices will be open from 08:00 to 17:00 on both Saturday, 20 June 2026, and Sunday, 21 June 2026, providing citizens with additional opportunities to apply for or collect Smart ID Cards.
The department said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that all eligible South Africans have access to the identity documents required to register as voters and participate in future elections.
Citizens are encouraged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office to apply for a Smart ID Card or collect one that is already ready for collection. According to the department, more than 370,000 Smart ID Cards are currently awaiting collection at offices across the country.
Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber said the extended operating hours form part of government's efforts to make essential services more accessible while strengthening democratic participation.
"This weekend presents an important opportunity for South Africans to ensure that they are ready to exercise one of their most fundamental democratic rights. By extending operating hours nationwide during Voter Registration Weekend, Home Affairs is making it easier for citizens to obtain the Smart ID Cards they need to register and participate in our democracy," said Schreiber.
He urged South Africans who have not yet obtained Smart ID Cards, as well as those who have been notified that their cards are ready for collection, to make use of the opportunity.
"An ID is not only essential for participating in our democracy, but also serves as a gateway to opportunities, services and economic participation. Through initiatives such as this, and as part of our broader Home Affairs @ home vision, we are bringing services closer to the people while advancing our commitment to delivering dignity for all," he added.
The department has encouraged citizens not to wait until the last minute and to take advantage of the extended weekend operating hours to secure or collect their Smart ID Cards.
