South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs extends operating hours nationwide ahead of the voter registration drive, the IOL report says. The adjustment is intended to give citizens more time to apply for and collect Smart ID Cards. The outlet notes that a large number of IDs are currently pending, with 370,000 Smart IDs reportedly waiting, which the department is seeking to address through longer opening times.
The extended hours apply across the country this weekend, according to the report. Home Affairs is using the additional time to reduce the backlog and ensure citizens can complete the ID-related steps needed before or during the voter registration period. The initiative focuses on both new applications and collections, so that people who are already approved or in the queue can pick up their documents, while those who still need to submit requirements have more opportunity to do so.
The report frames the change as logistical support for the voter registration process, linking the extended ID services to registration readiness.
