Editor
I READ your article in the Northglen News about the lady who was born in Zambia who was not eligible for a Smart ID. About a month ago I also went to Home Affairs and was told the same thing. This despite the fact that I moved here from Zimbabwe at the age of 12, have lived here for 29 years, hold a barcoded green ID book, South African drivers licence, and passport and am a naturalised citizen. I was very upset when I found out as I am able to (and do) vote for the leadership of this country, I call myself a South African (as per my passport stating that I am South African) and pay my taxes. If we are not eligible for the Smart ID then what does that make us? If we are citizens then why are we not eligible for the Smart ID?
It makes no sense and, truth be told, is very upsetting that a country I love and contribute towards does not consider me “acceptable” enough to qualify for the Smart ID which it is forcing on its citizens. I am angry and hate that they have made me feel this way. Surely this kind of attitude is an extension (if a benign one) of the general xenophobic mentality that runs through our country?
Does this not just exacerbate the divide between this country’s people at a time when such divide could be so very harmful to its future and when we should all be pulling together to make a difference in trying to unite this country and all its many cultures? I am glad someone is shining a spotlight on this issue so thank you.
Anita Hanekom
Durban North
