Fire at Germiston Home Affairs Office Disrupts Services, Mobile Units Deployed

Germiston, Gauteng — A major fire at the Germiston Home Affairs office has caused significant damage to property and disrupted services, particularly affecting administration and immigration services on the first floor.

Provincial manager Ms Mamokubung Moroke described the damage:

"This is huge damage to property and assets within the building. The worst damage occurred on the first floor, where our administration and immigration services are located. The ground floor—where clients are assisted with Smart ID cards, passports, and other documents—did not catch fire but suffered extensive water damage from firefighting efforts."

READ: Massive Fire Engulfs Home Affairs Building Germiston — City Streets on Lockdown

Documents and Services Affected

Most key documents, including Smart ID cards and passports, remain secure. However, some records, such as applications for late birth registration, were irreparably damaged by water.

"We will be requesting clients with affected applications to resubmit," Moroke said.

To mitigate service interruptions, mobile Home Affairs trucks will be stationed at Alberton and Germiston offices starting Wednesday. Priority will be given to clients whose appointments were disrupted by the fire or already scheduled for subsequent days. A public notice will also be issued to guide clients on collecting IDs and passports.

Rebuilding Timeline Uncertain

The Germiston office operates from a leased building, meaning refurbishment depends on the landlord, insurance claims, and departmental processes. No reopening date has been provided.

"This is something the department and the landlord will have to address. For now, our focus is ensuring clients get the services they need," Moroke explained.

READ: Officials, Police Officers Among Alleged Illegal Occupiers in Low-Cost Housing — Germiston Evictions Reveal Shocking Abuse

Public Assurance

Moroke assured residents that services will continue across other Home Affairs offices in Ekurhuleni.

"All clients who were supposed to be attended to today will be assisted at other offices. We will make sure there is no further inconvenience," she said.

As firefighters completed their work and police maintained security, the charred remains of the Germiston office serve as a reminder of the challenges facing public service delivery amid social tensions. Clients are urged to follow official Home Affairs communications for updates on service access.