The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has raised serious concerns over staff shortage and the derelict condition of the infrastructure at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) offices in Limpopo.  

The committee had an opportunity of visiting the Polokwane Large Office and Lebowakgomo offices of the DHA yesterday as it is currently in the Limpopo Province holding public participation process on the Marriage Bill.  

“The acute staff shortages at the DHA offices with some offices reportedly operating with only 40% of its staff undermines service delivery and is the major cause of poor service delivery to the people.  

The committee acknowledged the broad fiscal challenges and budget cuts facing government departments. It said the vacancy rate which arises from the inadequate budget is unacceptable and calls for immediate intervention,” said Mr Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the committee.  

The committee noted with concern the extent to which the few officials overstretch themselves to do the very high load of work that faces the office on a daily basis. Multitasking has become a norm in that office for it to meet its constitutional responsibility of the provision of home affairs services to the people. The incapacity of the office results in poor service delivery which is symptomized by long queues, low staff morale and risk of burnout.  

The persistent downtime of technology at the DHA also concerned the committee and it reiterated its dissatisfaction. When the committee was at Polokwane offices as part of its brief oversight visit, it was informed that the system had been offline since the morning. “A few learners who arrived at the offices at 07:00 in the morning were  served by 13:00, meaning they lost a full day of learning due to technological challenges,” Mr Chabane said.  

The committee said the persistent IT challenges that diminish the capacity of the DHA cannot be allowed to continue, and that strategies to end that state of affairs and to restore the ability of the office to provide the services it supposed to provide.  

Despite this, the committee was impressed by the general layout of the new offices in Polokwane. The new offices make it possible to ensure enough space and layout for quality service. Also, different from the previous office space where clients did not have seating and shelter, the new space is functional and allows for a seamless workplan.  

The committee was dismayed by poor conditions of the Lebowakgomo offices, where officials and clients are subjected to substandard conditions. There is no air conditioning and just

because of that the office does not meet occupational health and safety standards. “It is unacceptable that the people are subjected to such conditions which make a visit to DHA offices dreadful,” Mr Chabane emphasised.  

The committee reiterated its concern over the failure of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to provide maintenance services to the building where ceiling is falling, toilets broken and where there is poor work environment. The committee has called on the DHA and the DPWI to engage and find solutions to the state of DHA offices. The committee considers this mission as urgent and requires commitment and focus.  

The committee has also called on the DHA to enhance its collaboration with critical stakeholders such as traditional leadership, municipalities, and faith-based organisations to spread the message of the collection of documents at the DHA offices. The committee remains concerned by the high number of documents that remain uncollected at the DHA offices.  

Furthermore, the committee has called on the DHA to also focus on resolving the internal challenges of staff shortages and IT downtime to ensure the delivery of quality services. The committee appreciated the enthusiasm of staff members to deliver services to the people. despite the prevailing challenges.          

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane