Poor service from Randburg Home Affairs

Paul de Stadler writes:

On Saturday, 6 June, I arrived at the Randburg Home Affairs at 8.45am to find the entrance gate closed as I was there collecting my passport.

So I enquired at the gate to an official on the other side why the gate is closed, she just ignored me.

So I said to her, did you hear me, and she simply ignored, so I raised my voice and the lady went to call a supervisor to assist me.

The supervisor explained that the gate is closed as they only allow a certain number of people in at a time, and the rest must stay outside.

So I replied this is rubbish, how can you keep some people inside and the rest outside, so we ended up arguing about the gate.

She then decided to come outside and then explain to everyone outside about the gate.

I asked her for the call centre number 0800 601 190.

So I called the call centre at 9.10am who were not interested in assisting me.

So then I asked the supervisor, I would like to see the head of the office. She took me in and we went to see the head of the office, as we were going to see the head of the office, she said she is going to report me, so I advised her, what are you going to report me for, she said because I said it is rubbish the gate is closed.

I eventually saw the head of the office and he advised me that the gate is closed as they only allow so many people in at a time from the main entrance from the parking area.

Anyway I went back outside and waited my turn to collect my passport.

I eventually received my passport after one and half hours of waiting.

It took them a hour and half to help about 20 to 30 people in front of me.

I am so annoyed as the day I applied for my passport, there was no information that says you can apply for your ID card at the same time, as the staff was so uninterested to advise you of anything.

I would have done my ID at the same time and walked out today with both my ID and Passport.

To be honest I am not even going to bother doing my ID card as it is so impossible to get anything at Home Affairs, so much for wanting to

serve the general citizens of South Africa who pay taxes for no service.

The staff are so disinterested and walk around with long faces in the office, and never mind the security at the main gate and entrance, who are so disinterested to assist when you ask any question.

I am appalled at the level of service received.

Editor’s note: Letter published unedited.