Home Affairs Outreach – In an effort to improve access to government services and prevent the suspension of vital grant payments, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced the launch of a national outreach initiative using mobile units. Starting in September 2025, these mobile units will travel to rural and remote communities across South Africa to help citizens verify and update their identity documents. The campaign aims to ensure that all eligible individuals, especially those receiving social grants, are properly documented in the National Population Register. The move comes in response to widespread challenges faced by residents in far-flung areas who struggle to reach DHA offices due to distance, lack of transport, or financial limitations. Many citizens, particularly older persons and those living in informal settlements, have missed crucial updates to their ID status—leading to grant suspensions, delayed payments, or complete loss of benefits. To prevent disruptions in the disbursement of SASSA grants and other government services tied to identity verification, the DHA mobile teams will offer a full suite of services. These include biometric verification, re-issuing of lost IDs, capturing unregistered births, and updating existing records. This initiative is not only about service delivery—it is a lifeline to millions who depend on state support. Below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect from this outreach, who needs to take action, and how to ensure your details are up to date to continue receiving essential payments and benefits.
What the Home Affairs Outreach Includes
The DHA mobile units will provide comprehensive identity services aimed at helping rural citizens keep their documentation current.
- Biometric verification for all ages
- Issuing of temporary and permanent ID documents
- Registration of unrecorded births (especially older children and adults)
- Rectification of incorrect personal data in DHA records
- Identity verification for social grant beneficiaries
- Services for late registration of births
- Reissuance of lost, damaged, or expired IDs
- Collection of previously applied IDs
Key Services Offered by the Mobile Units
Each mobile team will be equipped with digital systems to process identity services on-site.
| Service Type | Who Can Access It | Required Documents | Turnaround Time | Fee (If Any) | On-Site Printing | Eligible for Social Grant Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biometric ID Verification | All individuals | Old ID or birth certificate | Same Day | Free | Yes | Yes |
| Temporary ID Application | Adults 16+ | Birth certificate + photo | 3 Days | R70 | No | Yes |
| Permanent ID Application | First-time applicants 16+ | Birth certificate | 14 Days | Free | No | Yes |
| Lost ID Replacement | Anyone with prior ID | Affidavit + birth certificate | 7 Days | R140 | No | Yes |
| Late Birth Registration | Age 15+ without a birth cert | Affidavit + witness statement | Up to 60 Days | Free | No | Yes |
| Incorrect Info Rectification | Anyone with record issues | Proof of correct info | 10-30 Days | Free | No | Yes |
| ID Collection | Anyone who applied previously | Application receipt | Same Day | Free | Yes | Yes |
Why You Should Verify Your ID Before September Ends
This verification process is especially important for social grant beneficiaries and citizens who rely on their ID for daily transactions.
- Many SASSA grants are linked to ID numbers; an outdated or unverified ID could result in suspension
- Banks and post offices require valid IDs for disbursing payments
- Government support for housing, education, and healthcare also requires identity verification
- Home Affairs will update the population register with verified information to prevent fraud
Consequences of Not Verifying Your ID
Failure to update or verify your ID before the mobile units complete their outreach may lead to serious disruptions.
| Issue | Possible Consequences | Impact Level | Recovery Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID marked as “Unverified” | Blocked from receiving grants | High | Must visit DHA office |
| Incorrect info on ID | Mismatched data leads to payment rejections | Medium | Submit correction |
| Lost or expired ID | Cannot access bank or government services | High | Reapply via mobile unit |
| No birth registration | Cannot apply for grants or get formal ID | High | Requires special process |
Where and When Will the Mobile Units Be Available?
The Department has released a provisional schedule and targeted areas for the outreach.
- Units will rotate across provinces weekly from 2 September to 31 October 2025
- Each location will receive 3-5 days of service depending on population density
- Special focus on Eastern Cape, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Northern Cape
Mobile Unit Deployment Schedule by Province
| Province | First Visit Date | Final Visit Date | Number of Stops | Contact Point | Hotline for Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | 2 Sep 2025 | 28 Sep 2025 | 25 | Local DHA satellite unit | 0800 60 11 90 |
| Limpopo | 3 Sep 2025 | 30 Sep 2025 | 18 | Community halls | 0800 60 11 90 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 9 Sep 2025 | 7 Oct 2025 | 30 | Schools and clinics | 0800 60 11 90 |
| Northern Cape | 10 Sep 2025 | 5 Oct 2025 | 14 | Post offices and schools | 0800 60 11 90 |
| Free State | 12 Sep 2025 | 15 Oct 2025 | 20 | DHA outreach stations | 0800 60 11 90 |
What You Need to Bring for Verification or Applications
To avoid delays during your visit, ensure you bring all necessary documentation with you.
- Original or copy of birth certificate
- Any form of current or expired ID
- Proof of residence or utility bill
- Affidavit (if replacing a lost document)
- Grant card or SASSA reference (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Guide to ID Verification at Mobile Units
- Arrive early at the site to get a queue number
- Present your current documents to the DHA official
- Undergo biometric scanning (photo + fingerprints)
- Verify and update your personal details
- Collect temporary document or get receipt for permanent ID
Special Considerations for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities
The Department will provide dedicated queues and priority service for vulnerable citizens.
- Elderly citizens aged 60+ receive front-of-line assistance
- Wheelchair-accessible mobile units will be available
- Officials are trained to help visually and hearing-impaired individuals
Extra Support for Priority Groups
| Group | Type of Support Offered | Required Proof | Contact Official Onsite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elderly (60+) | Fast-track service | ID or grant card | Yes |
| Persons with Disabilities | Accessibility & assistance staff | Medical record or grant doc | Yes |
| Children under 16 | Help with birth registration | Parental ID + birth docs | Yes |
| Pregnant Mothers | Maternity ID updates | Antenatal clinic letter | Yes |
Important Note for All Visitors
Every visitor is entitled to service regardless of grant status or income level. The outreach is aimed at ensuring every South African has access to valid identity documentation. Do not pay anyone claiming to expedite the process—services are provided free or at the standard DHA fee structure.
Safety and COVID-19 Guidelines
While COVID-19 restrictions have eased, health and hygiene protocols will still be observed to protect both staff and citizens.
- Face masks recommended for elderly or immunocompromised
- Hand sanitizers will be available at all units
- Social distancing encouraged in waiting lines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What if I miss the mobile unit in my area? | You will need to visit your nearest DHA office or wait for next round |
| Can I apply for someone else (e.g., a child)? | Yes, with all required documents and consent |
| Will I get my ID immediately? | Temporary IDs may be issued; permanent takes 7–14 days |
| Is this only for grant beneficiaries? | No, all South Africans are encouraged to participate |
| What if my ID was stolen and I have no documents? | You’ll need to submit an affidavit at the mobile unit |
| Can I get help if I don’t speak English? | Yes, multilingual staff will be present in each province |
| Are the services free? | Most are free; ID replacements may have fees |
The Department of Home Affairs encourages all residents—especially those in rural or remote communities—to take full advantage of this opportunity. Ensuring your ID is accurate and up to date is critical for accessing not only social grants, but also healthcare, education, and banking services. Don’t let an outdated ID delay the support you depend on. Visit your local mobile unit when it arrives and secure your identity today.