Home Affairs Department will cease the recognition of Angolan asylum seekers

Mluleki Mrwebi

23 May 2013

The South African Government has today announced that it intends to cease recognition of asylum seekers from Angola. 

Minister of Home Affairs Naledi Pandor said Angolans have two options which are assistants to return to Angola or an option to stay in South Africa. 

Naledi said the department will give a window opportunity for affected people and will conclude on the 31^st of August 2013. 

Meanwhile Minister Naledi Pandor in her budget vote speech in Parliament today said the issuing of smart ID cards with be phased in 27 regional offices of Home Affairs from July this year.

Pandor said this is part of the national effort to consolidate the restoration of our common citizenship, identity and dignity to all. 

Pandor further said the launch of the smart ID card must be viewed as the culmination of decades of struggle by the citizens to reclaim their identity and citizenship and also a key part of the department modernization project through they intend to entrench technology and efficient service.