Lekoma’s appointment at VFS
Lekoma’s Appointment
Story: Lekoma goes to Port Elizabeth to renew her study visa
Lekoma walked up to the VFS’s double glass doors in the first floor of the Moffet on Main shopping Centre in Walmer, Port Elizabeth (PE).
She chose PE because it has the closest visa facilitation center, as she lives in Makhanda. Sometimes living in a small town caused transportation problems, like having to hire a shuttle to the airport, which can be expensive. This time she opted for posting on the Grahamstown-PE Facebook page and found a shared lift.
Lekoma looked at the array of notices displayed on the glass doors. There was a no-cellphone warning, a Department of Home Affairs sign explaining the immigration act, and the office hours of the visa facilitation center.
Lekoma arrived 15 minutes early. She made a last check of the things she needed. Appointment letter, printed online application form, proof of payment, along with her passport.
The security guard opened the glass door: “passport and appointment letter,” he demanded.
“Please switch off your cellphone”.
As she was led to the waiting area she regretted not bringing a book to read. She looked around the room. About 20 people sat waiting to submit their applications and five waited to do biometrics where they would take your fingerprints. Three people waited to collect their approved visas.
She thought back to Dennis’ advice, “It is never a good idea to fight with the officials or repeatedly ask them why you’ve been waiting for so long. Be professional and considerate when asking how long you’re still going to wait and when submitting your documents.”
After about two hours it was her turn. Lekoma walked up to the kiosk where a woman in a black and blue suit jacket with the VFS logo waited. First she asked for Lekoma’s passport, a letter from the university, her medical aid and so on until the file where she had compiled vital documents for the past several months was empty.
“Is there anything further you would like to submit?” The official asked. “You will not be able to submit further documents once your application has been submitted”
Understanding this, Lekoma signed a receipt and was given back her passport.
“Please wait in that line for biometrics.” After about 20 minutes she entered the biometrics office. She sat in a high chair, got her picture taken as well as her finger prints. Her thumb was giving the official problems but they both stayed patient as Lekoma attempted to press down her thumb again. “Please keep your receipt. You will need it to pick up your visa.” The official told her, and she was excused.
Exiting the centre, she looked down at her passport and folded the receipt into one of the pages. It was her lifeline to furthering her education in South Africa.