Department of Home Affairs (DHA)

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) provides identity, citizenship, and immigration services in South Africa. The department started on May 31, 1910. Its headquarters are in the Hallmark Building, at the corner of Johannes Ramokhoase and Thabo Sehume Street, Pretoria.

For the 2025/26 year, the DHA has a budget of R11 billion. The funds support issuing identity documents, passports, and birth certificates. They also help manage immigration, naturalization, and refugee services. The department works to ensure all citizens and residents can access these services efficiently.

The DHA updates its systems and processes to serve the public better. People can find information, forms, and guidance on their official website, dha.gov.za.

The department plays a major role in South Africa’s civic system. It connects residents to essential documents and ensures legal compliance across borders.

Department of Home Affairs 2026 Overview

Department	Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
Minister	Dr. Leon Schreiber
Formed	May 31, 1910
Headquarters	Hallmark Building, Corner of Johannes Ramokhoase & Thabo Sehume Street, Pretoria
Budget (2025/26)	R11 billion
Helpline	0800 60 11 90
Email	hacc@dha.gov.za
Website	www.dha.gov.za
Office Hours	Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Last Wednesday of each month: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Key Services	Identity documents, Passports, Birth and death registration, Immigration, Citizenship, Refugee and asylum services, and Social services verification (with SASSA)

How is DHA associated with SASSA?

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) work together to provide social services. DHA issues identity documents, such as ID cards and birth certificates. 

SASSA uses these documents to verify applicants for social grants. Without a valid ID or birth certificate, a person cannot receive most SASSA grants. This includes the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, and Child Support Grant.

Identity Verification for Grants

When someone applies for a SASSA grant, the agency checks the applicant’s details against DHA records. This process confirms the person is a South African citizen or permanent resident. 

It also ensures that the personal details on the application are correct. Accurate verification prevents fraud and ensures grants reach the right people.

Services for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

DHA provides official documents for refugees and asylum seekers. SASSA uses these documents to determine eligibility for specific benefits. This service allows non-citizens to access social support when they qualify under South African law.

Process for Applicants Without Documents

Some applicants do not have an ID or birth certificate. DHA and SASSA have procedures to assist these people. Applicants can complete an affidavit to confirm their identity. 

DHA helps applicants apply for an official ID. SASSA can temporarily process grant applications while DHA issues the documents. This ensures applicants do not wait too long for support.

Benefits of DHA and SASSA Collaboration

The collaboration between DHA and SASSA ensures social grants are distributed fairly. It prevents fraudulent claims and maintains accurate population records. 

It also connects citizens and residents to essential social services. Together, DHA and SASSA provide a system that protects legal identity and supports social welfare.

Accessing Information

Citizens can access DHA and SASSA services through their official websites. DHA information is available at dha.gov.za. SASSA information, including grant applications and requirements, is available at sassa.gov.za. Both departments guide to help applicants complete processes correctly.

What Are the Roles of DHA In South Africa?

DHA has a major role in the progress of South Africa. Let’s find out what they are doing in 2026.

Issuing Identity Documents

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) provides official identity documents to South African citizens and permanent residents. 

This includes ID cards and identity certificates. These documents are required for access to social services, voting, banking, and employment. DHA ensures all identity information is accurate and up to date.

Birth and Death Registration

DHA registers all births and deaths in South Africa. Birth certificates confirm a person’s legal identity. Death certificates provide official proof of death for legal and administrative purposes. These records help maintain accurate population statistics.

Passport and Travel Documents

DHA issues passports and travel documents for citizens. This includes standard passports, official passports, and emergency travel permits. The department ensures documents are valid for international travel. It also supports citizens who lose or need to renew their passports.

Immigration Services

DHA manages immigration in South Africa. This includes visas, work permits, and permanent residency applications. The department ensures that foreign nationals follow legal processes when entering, working, or living in the country.

Citizenship and Naturalization

DHA handles citizenship applications and naturalization processes. Citizens by birth, descent, or application are recorded by DHA. Naturalized citizens receive official certificates confirming their status.

Refugee and Asylum Services

DHA provides documents and support to refugees and asylum seekers. It issues permits and identity cards to those legally recognized under South African law. This ensures they can access services and live legally in the country.

Population Data Management

DHA maintains a central population registry. This registry records births, deaths, marriages, and identity changes. Accurate data support government planning, policy-making, and service delivery.

Support for Social Services

The Department of Home Affairs works with agencies like SASSA to verify identity for social grants. Identity documents from DHA allow residents to access grants such as the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, and Child Support Grant.

Access to Information

It provides public access to forms, guidelines, and information through its offices and website, dha.gov.za. Citizens can check requirements, submit applications, and track document status online or in person.

Department of Home Affairs Contact Information

In case you need to contact DHA, here are the details that you can use.

• Helpline: 0800 60 11 90
• Email: hacc@dha.gov.za
• Office Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
• Website: www.dha.gov.za

Office Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Last Wednesday of the Month: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM