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Home Affairs hails centralised systems
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PDF Following concerns over the growing backlog of applications, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) says its centralised and electronic systems will help clear backlogs by March.
In November 2010, the department noted that the backlog on all permit applications, excluding applications by Zimbabweans, stood at approximately 38 039.
Through systems and improved measures the department claims the backlog had been reduced the backlog by 24 323, leaving the number of permit applications to be processed at 13 677 in February 2011.
“Through centralisation, the department has assumed full control and accountability over all permit applications that are submitted at all our regional offices across the country. In this regard we also have implemented a filing system where all permits are held according to provinces, offices, category and date of application,” said Home Affairs DG, Mkuseli Apleni.
The centralisation system has facilitated the electronisation of permits. The issuance
of permits is now fully integrated with the Movement Control System which facilitates the entry into South Africa of visitors. Clients are able to check the status of their applications on the Department’s website through the Track & Trace functionality.
Apleni adds that centralisation has contributed to the security of all permits issued since the department now knows to whom permits are being issued and for what reason. The DHA also claims that through the centralisation process, permit renewals of all categories are issued within 48 hours.
“With everything remaining the same, the backlog should probably have substantially been reduced and/or eradicated by end March 2011…The reduction of the backlog on permit applications must be seen within the context of the overall commitment of the Department of Home Affairs to deliver quality service to the people,” Apleni concluded.
