A 22-year-old woman from New Village, Blyvooruitzicht, near Carletonville, says years of trying to obtain a South African Identity Document (ID) have left her feeling as though she “doesn’t exist”, after repeated visits to the Oberholzer Home Affairs office failed to resolve her application.
The matter has now been taken up by the Elderly People Movement for Change, which is calling on the Minister of Home Affairs and the department’s Director-General to intervene urgently.
According to the organisation, the young woman has a valid birth certificate and has repeatedly applied for an ID over several years.
However, despite making numerous trips to the Home Affairs office, she has allegedly been unable to obtain the document or receive a clear explanation for the delay.
Chairperson of the Elderly People Movement for Change, Mr Mogapi, said the organisation has exhausted several avenues in an attempt to assist her.
“She was born here. She has a birth certificate. But without an ID she is invisible,” he said.
He added that the organisation has written letters and raised the matter with the offices of the Minister of Home Affairs, the Director-General and the South African Human Rights Commission, but says no progress has been made.
Without an ID, the woman says she has been excluded from many opportunities available to other South Africans. She is unable to apply for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, open a bank account, secure formal employment, or register for higher education.
The organisation also pointed out that she may be unable to register to vote ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.
“This is not just paperwork. This is her dignity. This is her future being stolen by administrative failures,” the movement said.
The Elderly People Movement for Change has submitted a formal complaint to the Department of Home Affairs, demanding that the woman’s Smart ID be issued within 14 days or that she be provided with a temporary identity certificate while the matter is finalised.
The organisation is also requesting a written explanation for the prolonged delay and that a senior departmental official be assigned to oversee the case.
“We refuse to accept that a South African citizen can turn 22 and still be treated like a non-person in her own country,” the organisation said. “If there is no urgent action, we will take this matter to Parliament and the media.”
Mapepeza has approached the Department of Home Affairs for comment. Their response will be published once received.
