Department of Home Affairs -Not all Doom & Gloom

Recently went online to apply for my ID & Passport. EXPERIENCE 1 - cannot apply as my passport that expired was never captured as picked up, after just a sinlge phone call to the Prospecton Branch, in 5 minutes, marked as RECEIVED on the system(WOW i was at a loss for words!! and thanked the lady profusely), and with a smile, proceeded that afternoon with my application. Notification received is 60 days from application to have your Biometrics and Fingerprints done. Going online to book an appointment- impossible. For next 30 days there are no appointments available, in desperation I called PTA head office of Home Affairs and I got the most amazing help from Moses Makena who firstly tried to get an online booking for me and he had the same rest kept bouncing back he then said to me after 50min holding on and I between kept me updated whilst he tried to get the various Home affairs in the different branches in Durban to get a booking. What a pleasant experience. He then said "I will keep trying and u will get an sms" I ******ly put down the phone thinking hmmmm this won't happen!! 5 min later I got an sms and got a booking for 24 Feb. I literally teared and thanked him silently wherever he may be. And guess what the very next day he called me at 7:55am to ask me if I got the sms confirmation and email notification of my appointment. I cannot describe the feeling of having my faith restored in Home Affairs. It took just 1 person who took the time to help me. In fact Prospecton, and PTA u have some amazing staff. JOHN MAKENA u ROCK!!!!!!! u made my day and brought a smile to my face. Keep up the amazing work 👏 Thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are good people out there who just make a difference in this world. I agree its a nightmare but sometimes it works. it was like hitting the Lotto haha!