Dear Mr Schreiber,

I would greatly appreciate your urgent intervention regarding ongoing appointment synchronisation issues between the Department of Home Affairs and the FNB Cornubia branch.

Today, I my brother attended a scheduled appointment with his three children to complete their biometric applications. They arrived fully prepared, with all required documentation, including barcoded confirmations and proof of payment. However, upon arrival, they were informed by the Home Affairs official that only one of the three appointments reflected on their system.

This raises a serious concern: how is it possible that confirmed, paid-for appointments—with valid barcodes—do not reflect on the DHA system?

What is even more concerning is that they were not the only affected family. Multiple individuals at the branch were turned away for the exact same reason. Upon further investigation, including public feedback on Facebook, it appears this has been a recurring issue throughout March 2026 at this specific DHA bank branch.

The response from the branch was deeply disappointing. The manager showed no initiative to investigate the issue, check the system, or offer any form of assistance—simply advising us to follow up with Home Affairs. This approach is unacceptable.

Surely the responsibility lies with both Home Affairs and the banking partner to identify, address, and resolve a systemic failure of this nature. The public cannot continue to bear the consequences of internal inefficiencies and lack of coordination.

The implications are significant:

Lost time, productivity, and income
Extended waiting periods to secure appointments
Risk of appointments lapsing after 60 days
Additional financial strain as citizens are forced to seek alternative solutions

It took a full month to secure this appointment and another month to reach the scheduled date—only to be turned away due to a system failure beyond our control.

South Africans are increasingly frustrated by being sent from pillar to post, with no accountability or resolution. This situation requires immediate attention—not future promises.

We urgently request:

A full investigation into the recurring synchronisation failure at the FNB Cornubia DHA branch
Clear accountability between DHA and the banking partner
Immediate remedial measures to prevent further inconvenience to the public
Assistance in honouring or reinstating affected appointments

We ask that this matter be treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. The public cannot continue to absorb the cost of failing systems.