New Home Affairs office in Limpopo unveiled by President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a bid to tackle the formidable hurdles hindering access to government services, particularly in rural areas, unveiled a strategic initiative during the official inauguration of the new Home Affairs offices in Mokopane, Limpopo.

The Department of Home Affairs is rolling out innovative initiatives, with President Cyril Ramaphosa affirming the commitment to bring services closer to the people.

President Ramaphosa, in a recent address, introduced the “Home Affairs on Wheels” programme, emphasising its transformative impact on service delivery nationwide.
“We don’t just want to make it easier. We want to make it faster and we want to make it cheaper,” he emphasised, underlining the programme’s objectives.

President addresses rural access challenges at Home Affairs opening

The president highlighted the challenges faced by many, particularly in rural areas, in accessing government services due to time and cost constraints.

He made these remarks during the official opening of new Home Affairs offices in Mokopane, Limpopo, underscoring the significance of initiatives like “Home Affairs on Wheels” in addressing such issues.

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa unveiled plans for the introduction of a kiosk model, likened to ATM services, for Home Affairs transactions. This innovation aims to streamline processes such as applying for vital documents like birth, marriage, or death certificates, as well as passports and smart ID cards.

The president also commended the integration of Home Affairs offices within hospitals for birth registrations, noting its positive impact on civil registrations and the reduction of late registrations of births. He stressed the importance of extending services beyond traditional office spaces to better serve the populace.

Amidst celebrating 30 years of freedom in South Africa, President Ramaphosa reflected on the government’s ongoing efforts to restore dignity through improved service delivery. He emphasised the role of the department in safeguarding citizens’ rights through the provision of legal identity documentation, enabling access to public services, social protection, employment opportunities, and international travel.

Minister calls for community support in sustaining mobile offices

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi echoed the president’s sentiments, urging communities to take ownership of the mobile offices and ensure their upkeep. “These are for you. They are there to serve you,” he affirmed, emphasising the collaborative responsibility in sustaining these vital service delivery channels.

The Department of Home Affairs’ adoption of innovative approaches, as highlighted by President Ramaphosa and Minister Motsoaledi, signifies a concerted effort to enhance service accessibility and efficiency, ultimately contributing to the well-being and empowerment of South African citizens.