Home Affairs extends operating hours ahead of 2026 Local Government Elections
· The South African
The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours at its front offices to help eligible voters obtain the identity documents needed to vote in South Africa’s Local Government Elections on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
The department announced that offices will operate for longer hours to allow citizens to collect completed identity documents, apply for new documents or obtain Temporary Identity Certificates (TICs), where applicable.
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Home Affairs opening hours for Election Day
From Monday, 2 November, to Wednesday, 4 November, Home Affairs offices will be open from 08:00 to 18:00 to assist eligible voters.
On Election Day, Wednesday, 4 November, offices will extend their operating hours further, opening from 07:00 to 21:00, in line with the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) voting hours.
The extended hours are intended to give citizens an opportunity to secure the necessary documentation before casting their ballots.
Voters urged to collect identity documents
Home Affairs has called on South Africans who have already applied for identity documents to collect them and exercise their right to vote.
The department has also urged stakeholder forums, community structures and community leaders to work with residents and encourage eligible voters to collect their documents or obtain the necessary temporary documentation before Election Day.
Voters are encouraged to make use of the extended operating hours if they still need to collect or apply for the required documents ahead of the polls.