Last week, Home Affairs appeared before the South African Human Rights Commission because they were subpoenaed.

Home Affairs acting director general, Thulani Mavuso, said, "but if you are dealing with critical skills, someone applying for permanent residence on the basis of critical skills, those are quite easy to finalise within that period of eight months we've determined."
Customers are reporting a different experience.

One residency applicant stated Home Affairs didn't independently verify his working status.
He's urging the government to be sensitive to the plight of those seeking asylum or permanent residence.

He says he will continue applying and calling the department until he's been answered.

Source: ENCA