THE Department of Home Affairs in Empangeni has appealed to people who applied for new smart ID cards to collect them immediately.
Empangeni Office Manager, Vusi Mjadu, said he was encouraged by the response of Zululand communities to upgrade their identity documents to the smart cards.
‘Since the inception of the programme we have captured more than 15 000 smart ID cards, but we still have a high volume of uncollected IDs.
At the Richards Bay office alone there are 1 370 smart cards waiting for collection, while Empangeni has 1 037, eShowe 689 and KwaDukuza 957.
Voter Registration is also around the corner, so people must make use of the March 10-11 window period. Our offices will be opened during this period from 8am to 7pm.
Mjadu said it was imperative for all South Africans to upgrade to the smart ID cards, as this will minimise fraud and corruption activities associated with the green bar coded ID.
‘These smart cards can’t be used by any other person except the owner.’
Mjadu also urged community members to ensure that no child is without a birth certificate.
‘By law parents must register a child within 30 days after birth.
‘Those who do not have parental rights but want to apply for birth certificates, must first approach Legal Aid and obtain a court order authorising them to do so.. This service is free of charge,’ Mjadu said.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
