Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Njabulo Nzuza, tells OFM News the R3 billion cap set by treasury on the department’s budget for salaries is a serious challenge, because it means “less staff”.

The biggest sign that this is the case, is the extended working week hours for Home Affairs offices countrywide. Nzuza acknowledges their employees are taking strain in meeting their targets, as a result of the shortages.  He maintains however, the extension of working hours, again in February 2020, was greenlit following consultation with employees on the matter. He says they will be ensuring staff do not burn out and receive adequate rest, during this time.

In 2017, a would-be strike by employees who were unhappy that the department demanded they work on Saturdays despite not being paid overtime, was averted after labour unions signed an agreement with the department.

Nzuza spoke to OFM News during his visit to the Northern Cape this week, where a refurbished and modernised home affairs office in the farming town of Jan Kempdorp was opened. He says people in rural areas should not have to travel to Kimberley to access modernised home affairs services.

Nzuza and company also deployed a mobile unit to a school, where 219 learners are now awaiting their smart ID cards.

Next week, the Deputy Minister will be in Limpopo, as a part of his department’s ministerial visits.

OFM News