IEC Update: 2021 Municipal Elections
I LIVE ABROAD. CAN I REGISTER AND VOTE IN THE 2021 ELECTIONS?
By law, South Africans who live abroad can only vote in South Africa’s NATIONAL elections (not provincial or municipal elections).
To vote in Municipal Elections you must be registered where you live in South Africa, and then vote where you are registered.
Unless you are already registered to vote in South Africa and are planning to return to South Africa in time for the elections on 27 October 2021, you will not be able to vote in South Africa’s 2021 Municipal Elections.
Municipal or local government elections are, by their nature, about electing local representatives for the area in which you live in South Africa.
website: www.elections.org.za
Statement on the situation in South Africa
16 July 2021
Our spirit is not easily broken
A wave of looting, and unrest has swept parts of our country over the past 5 days. Lives have been lost; properties destroyed, the threat of food insecurity looms, but the resilience of our people has not been broken; it has been emboldened.
Community members have become the shield that protects lives, and livelihoods. Able bodied individuals have availed themselves to the Police Services to augment the efforts already underway. The South African National Taxi Association has now called on all its members to form a barrier between the looting criminals and places of business, the malls and other infrastructure, integral to functioning of society, and the economy.
In some communities members are conducting door-to-door calls to establish if there are stolen goods in circulation, while in other areas, – to restore normality – people have started to clean up the streets. Taxi drivers are using their vehicles to assist with the delivery of bread to homes that are in desperate need. Cottage industries that bake bread are offering it at a reduced price, and are delivering within a short kilometre radius. Individuals, civic and religious organisations are coordinating the delivery of food parcels.
These are but a few of the very positive developments. A new mood is beginning to characterise our nation – and it stands in stark contrast and opposition to that of the criminals. It is becoming the dominant force that stands opposed to narrow criminal ends.
These are the messages that should be spread and circulated internationally, and on every available platform. It is a narrative of hope. Insidious, inflammatory, and unconfirmed reports must not be spread. At a minimum, such misinformation puts lives at risk.
Nomatemba Tambo
High Commissioner
-End-
CIVIC AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES UPDATE
CIVIC SERVICES APPOINTMENTS:
Due to a high volume of requests, there is a significant backlog. As a result, the current turnaround time is a minimum of 30 days for all enquiries and requests, effective 30 June 2021
Your patience during this unprecedented period is acknowledged.
Update on Civic Issues and the DHA-9 form
All South African Citizens including dual citizens living abroad must keep their South African passports valid at all times when abroad. It is advisable to apply for your new passport 12 months before expiry of your current passport.
South African citizens must enter and depart South Africa with their valid South African passport only. A South African citizen entering South Africa with a foreign passport will be subjected to a fine or imprisonment (in terms of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995)
All births registrations must take place within 30 days of the birth of a child (in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992.)
Application Forms and Information
DHA 24 (all categories) and DHA 9 have a unique bar code therefore cannot be downloaded because an original form is required. These can be completed at the office during the appointment.
Message of condolence on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
9 April 2021 – 5:30pm
President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, expressed his deep condolences to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
As the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip was the longest-serving consort in the history of the British monarchy.
Prince Philip passed away on Friday, 9 April 2021, at the age of 99.
President Ramaphosa says South Africa’s thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty, the Royal Family, the Government and people of the United Kingdom as they mourn their loss.
The President says Prince Philip was a remarkable public figure who lived an extraordinary life and who will be fondly remembered by many people around the world.
Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
2021 List of Public Holidays observed by the South African High Commission
| Date | Public Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day |
| 2 April | Good Friday |
| 5 April | Easter Monday/Family Day |
| 27 April | Freedom Day |
| 3 May | May Day |
| 31 May | Late May Bank Holiday |
| 16 June | Youth Day |
| 9 August | National Women’s Day |
| 30 August | August Bank Holiday |
| 24 September | Heritage Day |
| 16 December | Day of Reconciliation |
| 27 December | Day of Goodwill |
Re-opening of Whitehall
OPENING OF HOME AFFAIRS OFFICE 15 WHITEHALL LONDON: 29 MARCH 2021
Further to the updated application procedure notice below, please be advised that the office will re open on 29 MARCH 2021.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We endeavour to keep everyone safe during your visit at our office. Social distancing measures remain in force. Entry will not be permitted unless a mask is being worn.
SERVICES AT 15 WHITEHALL (HOME AFFAIRS)
Services at 15 Whitehall (Home affairs) are now rendered strictly by appointment.
In order to minimize the number of people visiting our office, and to keep everyone safe, we encourage postal applications where possible, especially for child passport applications and birth registration.
Please follow the steps below:
Step No 1:
Download guidelines and application forms using this link.
You will provided with DHA 9 to complete at the office during your appointment
Step No 2:
Complete all forms received and prepare your supporting documents per guidelines.
Step No 3:
Send your request for an appointment at: Civic.appointments@dirco.gov.za. The request must include:
Full names and ID number of the applicant as well as the type of Service required.
POSTAL APPLICATIONS
Step No 1:
Download guidelines and application forms using this link.
Request additional application forms (forms with unique bar code) by sending an A4 Self -addressed pre- paid (1st class Large stamp) envelope (per applicant) with a note stating the forms required and the age of the applicant.
NB: Royal Mail: If the postage stamp on the envelope is insufficient or the envelope is the wrong size, the forms will NOT be mailed to you.
Step No 2:
Fully complete all forms received and prepare your supporting documents per guidelines received.
Post your application forms and requirements to:
South African High Commission
15 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2DD
Website: www.southafricahouse.uk
PASSPORT COLLECTION
Passport collections are strictly from 1400 to 1500 hours Monday to Friday, except on Public holidays. No other services will be rendered during the time allocated for passport collections.
No application forms will be handed out during collection.
Virtual event to unveil the new signage at O. R. Tambo Recreation Ground
Haringey Council agreed to rename Albert Road Recreation Ground O. R. Tambo Recreation Ground to highlight Oliver Tambo’s legacy in the borough and worldwide.
The event was live-streamed out via Facebook.
Watch below: