ID mix-up: Cousins share the same names
A Katlehong father is at his wits end after a seven year struggle to obtain an identity document (ID) for his now 27-year-old son has proven fruitless.
KATLEHONG – Daniel Phadu says their lives have been difficult as Alberton Home Affairs can’t issue his son, Tshepo Phadu, with an ID before they have received documents indicating that his deceased wife, Ntombizodwa Phadu, is Tshepo’s biological mother. Ntombizodwa passed away in 2001.
Daniel said their trouble started in 2008 when Tshepo, then 21, applied for an ID as he needed one to write his matric exams. In the end he had to use his birth certificate to register for the exams.
“According to Home Affairs, Tshepo already has an ID document issued to him but the details that they have belongs to his cousin who has the same name and surname as him,” Daniel said. Proof of this was shown to Kathorus MAIL.
The two cousins were born two days apart in 1987 and Daniel believes that is where the alleged mix-up lies.
“They are asking for the details of my brother’s daughter, saying that she is his mother, but this is not the case. We have had so many arguments. They apparently agree that the problem lies on their side, but if we want to rectify their mistake, we must first pay an amount to have it rectified. But why should we pay to fix their mistakes?”
Daniel said they have visited the Alberton Home Affairs four times this year and turned to the MAIL because they are not making any progress.
“In the process my son is not able to enjoy his life as he cannot apply for a job or further his studies. Not having an ID holds him back. It’s as if he does not exist.”
Kathorus MAIL is awaiting comment from Thabo Mokgola, spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs.
