Dirk Byker from Roodepoort writes:
I observed the new Home Affairs service, so I jotted down my experience:
There comes a time when your 10-year passport expires and a new one has to be obtained. Judging by past experiences one has some trepidation. Hours in queues, two to three months waiting – if something did not go wrong and you have to start all over. My passport would expire end July. It would be prudent to apply for a new one in good time. So in good courage I sallied forth on 28 Feb to storm the bastion of officialdom. But alas, it was not to be. The security man pointed me to a queue – outside the building. Sinking feeling. I went home instead.
My daughter in her infinite wisdom said, “Why don’t you apply on-line?”, and so I did.
Small hitch: you can pay by internet banking, but not by credit card. But you have to present yourself for biometrics anyway.
Bright and early on 13 March I again stormed the rampart. Three queues to choose from. Enquiry revealed that the first one was at another building, something to do with unemployment or pension payments. Not for me. The second queue: the lady in front of me did not know what the line was for. The considerably shorter third queue turned out to be the collections line. Not for me – not yet anyway. Back to queue 2, behind the lady whom I had appointed place holder. “Collections!” I said. The line in front of me melted away to join collections, leaving me 6th in line! Oh goody! Presently my line was marched into the hallowed portal. Paperwork at the ready, I waited my turn to pay the prescribed fee. My eye caught a neatly printed notice to the effect that the computer system is slow, and it is a country-wide problem. Sinking feeling. Gloom. Pay. Join the biometrics queue. A few minutes later – my turn. Friendly guy. No smiling for passport photo – strictly forbidden. Then: the coup de grace, the cherry on top: “Your passport will be ready in three to seven DAYS. Yes you heard correctly. Not weeks, not months. Friday afternoon 17 March – I kid you not – an SMS informs me, ‘Passport ready for collection’. Four days!!
If this is the new Home Affairs, Roodepoort, it is very commendable. You guys are doing an excellent job! Keep up the good work!
