Public Notice: Klerksdorp Home Affairs Extends Operating Hours for Smart ID & Passport Collections
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
The Department of Home Affairs has announced that its Klerksdorp Large Office will extend its operating hours for Smart ID Card and passport collections only on Saturday, 13 September 2025, from 08:00 to 13:00. This one-off extension is aimed at helping residents who may struggle to visit the office during usual weekday hours.
Context & Significance
Extended service hours have become part of the Department’s broader efforts to improve accessibility. In May 2025, Home Affairs implemented extended hours across select offices to support the rollout of Smart ID Cards, especially for naturalised citizens and permanent residents who were transitioning from older ID books. These Saturday services helped reduce congestion and streamline service delivery.
Home Affairs has also offered weekday hour extensions during school holidays, providing more flexibility for students applying for or collecting essential documents such as IDs and passports.
What This Means for Local Residents
Where & When:
Venue: Klerksdorp Large Office (as shown in the image)
Service available: Collection of Smart ID cards and passports only
Date & Time: Saturday, 13 September 2025, from 08:00 to 13:00
Access Benefits: This extension provides a valuable opportunity for those unable to visit during the week, accommodating busy work schedules, students, elderly residents, or caregivers.
Booking vs Walk-ins: While Home Affairs encourages use of its Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) ahead of visits, they also accept walk-ins when possible, though appointments may lead to faster processing.
Why It Matters
Reducing Queues & Congestion: These extended hours help ease long lines and wait times, just as prior weekend and holiday extensions have demonstrated.
Inclusive Access: By offering alternate times, Home Affairs ensures that essential documentation services are more inclusive, reaching a broader portion of the population.
Temporary, Targeted Support: While not a permanent change, the announcement aligns with a broader pattern of flexible scheduling that Home Affairs has introduced at key times to enhance customer service and responsiveness.
Final Thought
These developments highlight both the challenges and the progress within the community. While some issues remain unresolved, the visible steps being taken reflect ongoing efforts to improve daily life for residents and create opportunities for long-term growth.
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