Beware of Passport Agents

I realized that my old passport has expired and needed an urgent re-application. I contacted the supplier, who assured me that a passport can be issued in 5 to 7 working days. I paid R1550 for the service (including the normal passport costs). I was whisked through the department of home affairs and everything seemed to be set up for a passport within a short period. As my deadline was coming nearer, I tried to contact the agent who ignored my SMS's and my phone calls. In the end I went to the home affairs office - they said that it was perfectly possible to get a passport in such a short time, but it needs to be marked as urgent. The agent never communicated the urgency to the office (or exchanged whatever should be exchanged for the urgency). Missed my trip and lost tens of thousands of Rands. I can honestly say that the officials really did what they could to save the situation afterwards but it was too late. Do not use this agent.