A 17-YEAR-OLD boy’s dream of becoming a doctor is slowly fading as without an ID, his matric certificate may not be accepted.
Xolani Msomi from Shongweni Dam has never had a birth certificate and has tried applying for one but has been told that he needs to bring his mom who deserted him at a very young age.
“My grandmother from my father’s side took me to the Home Affairs as my father died when I was still a baby but I was told to bring my mother. As time went by, I found my other grandmother but was also told the same thing,” said Xolani.
He said what worries him the most is that other learners at his school have registered with the Department of Education to write their exams. but he cannot complete the documents as he does not have an identity number.
When he first started school, his aunt pleaded with teachers to enroll him while they tried to sort out his issue.
“I feel like I am going nowhere slowly, I have big plans for my future but I am starting to lose hope as I do not have an identity number and I may not even write my exams,” he said.
One of Xolani’s relatives who traced his mom said she also does not have an ID and, therefore, cannot apply for Xolani’s birth certificate.
Department of Home Affairs spokesman, Thabo Mokgola said the boy’s mother has to apply for her birth certificate first, followed by an application for an ID. “The boy will then be able to apply for his birth certificate on the basis of the mother’s documents.
KZN Department of Education spokesman, Muzi Mahlambi said the department does register learners to write their exams without an identity number.
“The problems and delays start when we are issuing certificates which is why parents and guardians should sort out these issues with Home Affairs before they start Grade R.
“The department has allowed him to start school without a birth certificate and will not infringe on his right to write his exams,” he said.
Mahlambi said if this problem is not resolved with the Home Affairs soon, the boy will have a problem as his certificate will be issued with only his exam number which will make it difficult to apply to universities.
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