Improved access to Home Affairs services commendable
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs welcomes the extension of working hours for front offices with the aim of improving services to the people. The Committee is of the view that this decision is exemplary and is in line with the principles of Batho Pele.
From 23 March the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) office hours for officials will be from 7h30 to 16h30. Opening and closing hours for serving clients will be from 8h00 to 16h00. This revision of hours was necessitated by the desire to deal with any administrative matters before opening hours thereby ensuring that people are serviced immediately when offices open.
Furthermore, the Committee welcomes the collaborative work between the management of the department and labour unions representing employees within the department. Their collaborative effort will ensure that the two shifts system required to ensure successful implementation of the project is successful. According to the department’s plans, the first shift will commence at 7h30 and end at 16h00 (8 hours). The second shift will commence at 09h00 and end at 16h30 (7 hours). Both shifts will include a 30 minute lunch break.
The shift system will also enable the department to open offices on Saturday to guarantee provision of services for people unable to go to the offices during the week. The Committee is confident that this collaborative effort will go a long way in making the department a model service provider to all South Africans and foreign nationals.
The Committee remains of the view that the efficient running of front offices of DHA is central in changing views of the general public on the department. The Committee urges the public to take advantage of this initiative by the department to apply for their civic documentation. The Committee will monitor the implementation of this plan to ensure its success.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
