Durbanites voice expectations for new Home Affairs administration
The seventh administration of government has taken office and locals speak about what they expect from the new administration in the Department of Home Affairs.
THE Department of Home Affairs is one of the departments that have seen changes as the seventh administration of government takes office in the country.
Also read:Â Minister officially opens Pavilion Home Affairs office
A month after the National elections, the cabinet was sworn in in Cape Town on July 4. The new administration consists of 11 parties under the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.Â
Democratic Alliance (DA) member Leon Schreiber was sworn in as the minister of the Department of Home Affairs. Schreiber heads a department that is notorious for backlogs and long queues. This has resulted in more offices being opened and the launch of a new online booking system.Â
To find out what the public expects from the new administration, Caxton Local Media spoke to people who frequently use the services at the Department of Home Affairs.
This is what they had to say:Â
Nqobile Oromoloyo- HlatshwayoÂ
I am married to a foreign national and we have two children. While the process of getting passports for me and my children was easy, my husband has had issues with getting permits for his family. I hope the new administration can be more efficient when it comes to issuing permits.Â
Also read:Â Home Affairs offices to open on Saturdays
John Robin (pseudonym)Â
I am originally from Zimbabwe, I have been on a study visa and now I’m applying for a work permit. I am hoping to see change and more efficiency with the new office. I wish the new administration could also extend the appeal period for the rejected permits. With the Visa Facilitation Centres in place, the process should be efficient. I believe the centres are there to lift the load off the Home Affairs offices that deal with other things as well. I hope the new administration also works on improving the effectiveness of the helpline numbers. Sometimes when you call, consultants can’t help and they do not redirect you either.Â
Alex MabhenaÂ
I hope the new administration can be more effective with issuing permits. As a foreigner, the process of renewing my permit is always daunting. No matter how early you start the process of renewal, the permit expires anyway and it’s almost impossible to do anything with an expired permit.Â
Also read:Â Home Affairs hours extended for voter registration weekend
Sithokozile MathenjwaÂ
The department of Home Affairs did well with the online booking system and the new administration should carry on with it. I recently applied for a marriage certificate and it was a smooth process, from booking an appointment online up until I got the certificate. It was a good experience.
Below is a full list of South Africa’s new Cabinet, and their deputies:
Deputy President: Paul Mashatile
Minister of Agriculture: John Steenhuisen; Deputy: Rosemary Nokuzola Capa
Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development: Mzwanele Nyhontso; Deputy: Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.
Minister of Basic Education: Siviwe Gwarube; Deputy: Reginah Mhaule.
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies: Solly Malatsi; Deputy: Mondli Gungubele.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA): Velinkosi Hlabisa; Deputies: Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns–Ncamashe.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans: Angie Motshekga; Deputies: Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo.
Minister of Electricity and Energy: Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy: Samantha Graham-Maré.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation: Blade Nzimande; Deputy: Nomalungelo Gina.
Minister of Employment and Labour: Nomakhosazana Meth; Deputies: Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina.
Minister of Finance is Enoch Godongwana; Deputies: David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE): Dion George; Deputies: Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts.
Minister of Health is Aaron Motsoaledi; Deputy: Joe Phaahla.
Minister of Higher Education: Nobuhle Nkabane; Deputies: Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe.
Minister of Home Affairs is Leon Schreiber; Deputy: Njabulo Nzuza.
Minister of Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi; Deputy: Tandi Mahambehlala.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Ronald Lamola; Deputies: Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development: Thembi Nkadimeng; Deputy: Andries Nel.
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Gwede Mantashe; Deputy: Judith Nemadzinga–Tshabalala.
Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Maropene Ramokgopa; Deputy: Seiso Mohai.
Minister of Police: Senzo Mchunu; Deputies: Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.
Minister in the Presidency: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Deputies: Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong.
Minister of Public Service and Administration: Mzamo Buthelezi; Deputy: Pinky Kekana.
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure: Dean Macpherson; Deputy: Sihle Zikalala.
Minister of Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Deputy: Jane Sithole.
Minister of Social Development: Sisisi Tolashe; Deputy: Ganief Hendricks.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture: Gayton McKenzie; Deputy: Peace Mabe.
Minister of Tourism: Patricia De Lille; Deputy: Maggie Sotyu.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition: Parks Tau; Deputies: Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield.
Minister of Transport: Barbara Creecy; Deputy: Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
Minister of Water and Sanitation: Pemmy Majodina; Deputies: David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Sindisiwe Chikunga; Deputy: Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.
Minister of Correctional Services: Pieter Groenewald; Deputy: Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.
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