Thousands of Smart ID cards remain uncollected at Department of Home Affairs offices across the Gert Sibande District, with 770 cards awaiting collection in Ermelo alone.
According to figures released by the Gert Sibande District Municipality, 8,281 Smart ID cards remained uncollected as at 28 August 2026.
Secunda recorded the highest number with 1,980 uncollected cards, followed by Standerton with 1,560, Eerstehoek with 1,116 and Bethal and Piet Retief with 908 each.
The Speaker of Council, Cllr B.G. Sekhonde, has urged residents who have applied for Smart ID cards to collect them from their nearest Home Affairs office.
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The municipality highlighted the importance of identification documents for accessing government services, employment opportunities, banking facilities and voting.
Although the figures date back to August, updated numbers are expected following the next Stakeholder Engagement Speakers Forum report.
Residents who have applied for Smart ID cards are encouraged to check their collection status with Home Affairs.