Confusion over duplicated ID has made resident’s life a living hell

Lolo Madonsela

Life has been difficult for Xolile Mtshali from Mvuzini near eMondlo, as she continues the struggle to get her identity document.
Since 2018, Mtshali has battled to obtain an ID after re-applying for the document.
This in turn has affected her daughter, who cannot apply for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Mtshali said when she re-applied for her ID, it was discovered she shared the same name, surname and ID number as someone else from the Tembisa area of Gauteng.
“When I went to renew the grant for my sister’s daughter I am looking after, I was told by SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] they could not read my fingerprints, so I needed to go to Home Affairs. When I got to Home Affairs, they told me to re-apply for a new ID and that’s when I learned I am sharing details with somebody else. They then told me I needed to bring all proof that I am South African citizen of which I did, but nothing has happened since 2018. I am still without an ID.”

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Mtshali said she suspected a fraudulent act had taken place when she applied for her ID for the first time in 2006.
“I think they sold my identity to a foreigner, because when I applied for an ID for the very first time in 2006, they told me my ID was stolen and I needed to apply again. I did that and of course I did receive my ID, but now that I am applying for the third time, I am told they do not even have my address on the system – the only person they have on the system is that one in Tembisa. They claim to have called and requested she submit the same documents as the ones I submitted, but she has not done so. Doesn’t that show them this person is lying? She stole my identity – they have been calling her since 2018 and she still has not come to them.”
Mtshali stated it was a clear case of fraud and was making her life a living hell.
“How do one live without an ID? I am unemployed; I was getting a child grant for my sister’s child that I am looking after, since my sister and the child’s father are no more. My daughter is over age, so she does not get a grant, but completed matric and is sitting at home because she cannot apply for NSFAS to further her studies. This is making my life very difficult. I just need it to be sorted out as soon as possible.”
Home Affairs Media Liaison Officer, Thabo Mokgola said the department had noted the case and investigations would be conducted into the matter.
“I have referred the matter to the relevant unit for investigation. An official will be delegated to contact the client, to garner further information to assist with the probe.”

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