Pretoria - The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours at a number of ports of entry to accommodate the high traveller volumes expected over the Easter period.
Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has mandated the extension of operational hours in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State and Eastern Cape, the department's Director-General Mkuseli Apleni said on Friday.
In Mpumalanga, the Lebombo port of entry will operate for 24 hours from 2 April - 2 May and Oshoek from 5 - 6 April.
The Mananga port of entry will be open from 7am to midnight from 5 - 6 April, while Mahamba and Jeppes Reef will be open from 7am - 10pm over the same period.
The Groblersbrug port of entry in Limpopo will operate for 24 hours from 5 - 8 April; Van Rooyenshek in the Free State will operate for 24 hours on 5 April; and Qashasneck in the Eastern Cape will be open from 6am - 10pm on 4 April and for 24 hours on 5 April.
"The Department is still finalising the deployment of additional staff to the ports of entry that will operate on extended hours," Apleni said.
With regards to the fire at the department's Umgeni Road office in KwaZulu-Natal earlier in the week, Apleni said police were investigating to determine the cause of the fire.
The fire was extinguished without causing much damage to the premises, equipment or files.
"At this stage, we are awaiting forensic feedback from the police based on their investigation at the site. We reiterate that this has not resulted in a disruption of services and clients are assured of our full commitment both to their safety and towards ensuring effective and professional service delivery," he added.
