Minister Modise encourages prompt ID collection for voter turnout
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, is urging citizens to promptly collect their identification documents (ID) to facilitate voter turnout in the upcoming 2024 General Elections.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has extended its office hours to assist voters in acquiring new IDs and Temporary Identity Certificates.
DHA extends Saturday hours for ID collections
From 6 April to 25 May, DHA offices will now be open from 8:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays, offering additional opportunities for citizens to obtain their essential identification documents.
Minister Modise emphasised the importance of this initiative during a media briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster in Pretoria on Sunday.
“In addition, Home Affairs will open its offices on voting day. Mobile offices are also scheduled to be opened in remote areas to assist with the application and collection processes. The department will engage with councillors and other community leaders to decide on the dates, times and venues of the operation of mobile offices,” stated Minister Modise.
Furthermore, citizens are encouraged to utilise the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), available on the DHA website, to book appointments for collecting their Smart ID Cards and Green barcoded ID books. Minister Modise stressed the significance of this opportunity for those who have applied for identification documents and received SMS notifications to visit their local Home Affairs office promptly.
Minister Modise encourages voter turnout ahead of General Elections
Furthermore, Minister Modise urged all eligible voters to participate in the General Elections on 29 May. She highlighted the record-breaking participation, stating, “Overall, 70 political parties are contesting these elections, 11 independent candidates, and the national contestants are 52. In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures. Ensuring the safety and security of all voters and officials are of paramount importance.”
With Minister Modise’s call to action and the extended office hours by the DHA, citizens are encouraged to seize this opportunity to secure their identification documents and exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.
