The family of the late Mzondwase Nellie Shongwe requested the community to help them locate three people who are documented to be her children, but whom they claim are foreign nationals.
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Shongwe died on October 12, 2021, but her children said they are unable to finalise any of her paperwork with the Department of Health through Shongwe Hospital, where she was employed in the sewing room, because, according to the Department of Home Affairs, there are three other people registered to be her children, and the family has no idea who these might be or where they might be.
“My mother had eight children who were biologically hers. Two have since passed away and we are now six. We were, however, surprised while doing her final paperwork with the Department of Home Affairs to find out there were three more children under her name. When we followed up, we found out she had registered foreign nationals under her name so they could acquire identity documents and citizenship,” said one of her children, who did not wish to be named.
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“Vilane is my mother’s maiden surname. She grew up in an era when it was not very difficult to get citizenship in the country. We fully understand that she meant well. We do, however, plead with the people whom she has helped to help us by showing up so we can wrap up the paperwork process. We have looked for them for years now and it has inconvenienced us a great deal. If they are still in the country and are able to see this, we plead with them to reach out to us so we can move forward.”
The Shongwe and Vilane families have since embarked on a search for the other children. They are looking for the following people: Busisiwe Fortunate Vilane, ID number: 84 06 15 054 5085,
Hlengiwe Precious Vilane, ID number: 86 06 13 060 5085, and Sibusiso Agripa Vilane,
ID number: 88 09 25 564 2080.
Call the family on 082 041 1740.