Johannesburg – The Department of Home Affairs has extended operational hours to accommodate an expected increase in demand for services during the school holidays.
The department said that from 1 to 21 July 2026, its offices will be open until 18h00 to assist learners and any other citizen who wishes to apply for and collect Smart ID Cards.
The department, whose normal operational hours end at 16:00, said it continues to roll out interventions to expand its services while ensuring that we deliver dignity for all.
“These include, among others, the announcement in June of 203 bank branches now live through our new digital partnership model with the banking sector,” the department said in a statement made available to The Bulrushes today, Thursday, 2 July 2026.
The service was launched on 9 March, and more than a quarter of a million people have already used it to obtain a replacement Smart ID card.
The department said, in addition, it has launched an upgraded online booking system on the MyHomeAffairsOnline platform, introducing enhanced security measures to prevent the abuse of booking slots and improve access to services.
