Proposal aims to reduce long queues at Home Affairs

Cape Town residents could soon benefit from a new, centrally located Home Affairs office, with plans underway to establish an appointment-only facility at the Cape Town Civic Centre.

- TARA ISAACS

The City of Cape Town is preparing to seek Council approval in March 2026 to lease space at the Civic Centre on Hertzog Boulevard in the CBD to the National Department of Home Affairs.

The proposal follows an approach from the Ministry of Home Affairs, via the office of the mayor, to open a dedicated Home Affairs service point within the City-owned building.

If approved, the new office will be located on the second floor of the civic centre.

The facility is intended to serve as a modern and more accessible alternative to the high-volume Barrack Street branch, which has long experienced service pressures, said a City statement, released on Thursday, February 5.

According to the City, the initiative forms part of a broader collaboration between the City of Cape Town and the national government to improve access to essential civic services for residents.