The Department of Home Affairs has noted various media reports to the effect that no proper consultations with labour representatives were undertaken in the imminent implementation of the new Home Affairs opening and closing hours.

It must be noted that throughout the whole process, continuous consultations with labour unions took place with a view to attaining their buy-in while ensuring that the best interests of the employees are taken into consideration.

Director-General Mkuseli Apleni said: “As a Department, we have made it clear that this new intervention will be critically beneficial to the members of the public. Though there might be differences of opinion on certain matters pertaining to the new arrangement with representatives of labour, we have agreed that we will proceed to operationalise the new hours with effect from Monday, 23 March 2015”.

The Department therefore reiterates its commitment towards the operationalisation of the new opening and closing hours and warns against deliberate disruptions from officials.

“Any official who attempts to deliberately disrupt the new arrangement will be dealt with according to the Department’s disciplinary processes,” says DG Apleni. 

For interview requests for the Director-General kindly contact Thabo Mokgola on 060 962 4982. For media enquiries kindly contact Mayihlome Tshwete on 072 869 2477

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS