ID issues threaten Pinetown woman’s future
The 21-year-old girl is also unable to access the educational policy her father left for her because she has no identity document.
BEING without an ID has turned into an embarrassment for a frustrated young Pinetown woman.
Pretty Ogle’s life has come to a complete standstill following three years of being given the run- around by Home Affairs.
Her aunt, Dolly, said they began fighting this issue in 2016.
“I assisted Pretty to apply for her ID as both her parents had passed away. It was just a normal procedure and I did not think we were going to experience such difficulties as she has her birth certificate and her unabridged birth certificate which has an ID number.
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After some months of not getting any feedback, Dolly said they went back to the Pinetown Home Affairs to enquire. “One of the managers checked the system and said it appeared that Pretty had two ID numbers which was the reason her ID could not be processed.
“She told us we had to reapply and bring an affidavit. The lady was very helpful and filed everything for us in the system. I have sent many emails to Pretoria since, but we are being told they are still investigating,” explained Dolly.
Luckily, Pretty was able to write her matric, but things have been tough for the 21-year-old woman.
“When I applied at ICESA, I was told I would not able to graduate. I did a course in hospitality for a year and I could not continue because of finances.
“My father left me an educational fund, but I can not access the policy because of this ID issue. Just two weeks ago I sent an SMS to their hotline and received a response that they have no record of my application, which was more confusing. What is it that they are investigating if my application is not even on the record,” said Pretty.
On Wednesday, 8 May was the national election day and Pretty was not able to cast her vote, “It was going to be a good feeling to vote for the very first time, I was robbed of that chance too,” said the frustrated Pretty.
The Highway Mail has Pretty’s case and ID numbers and tried to get comment from the Department of Home Affairs but their response was not received by the time of going to print.
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