MOKOPANE – This was confirmed by Steven Matabani, Manager of the department.
Matabani said they receive numerous complaints from residents about the poor services rendered by the department.
“I understand the frustration of the people. The building in which we are situated is too small to help all the people. We can only assist 120 people per day, while sometimes there are more than 300 people waiting.”
Matabani said they also see an increase in residents wanting services rendered during the school holiday, especially for ID’s for learners or to renew documents.
“Home Affairs also has a problem with false news that is being distributed on social media. There are hundreds of people who want to apply for ID’s because they are told the green identity book has expired. There’s no truth in this. If the department at any stage decide that the book will expire it will be announced nationally on television and certainly not on Facebook. Until such announcement the green ID is still valid,” he added.
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Matabani said Home Affairs is aware that the current building is too small and they are working to resolve the matter.
“Home Affairs already approved that we can use the building next to the Department of Labour. Everything is in place and we are only waiting for the IT technicians to install computer cables so that one section of Home Affairs will be moved to the new building.”
According to Matabani, Home Affairs also identified premises next to the municipality where a bigger building will be constructed within the next two years.
“I understand the frustration of the public and I want to ask them to be patient. We are trying to solve the problems in order to deliver better service. At the moment some off my staff volunteer to work extra hours without compensation to help all the customers.”
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
