LIMPOPO – When the unemployed Solomon Famberiwa Mkhabele from Wayeni Dumani Section visited the Makhado municipal offices on December 15 to register for an electricity subsidy, he was shocked to learn that he was officially documented as deceased.

Mkhabele, who had hoped to benefit from the subsidy provided to unemployed individuals and pensioners, was instead told that he had been deceased since October 5, 2004.

“I can’t understand why I’ve been recorded as deceased by the municipality, especially when Home Affairs confirms that I’m still alive,” he told CV.

He is deeply distressed by the situation, as being listed as deceased has prevented him from accessing essential benefits.

Mkhabele has been struggling with the issue for two years, he said, repeatedly seeking help but being sent from one office to another without resolution.

Frustrated by the lack of action, he reached out to CV for assistance.

“I’m unable to receive the electricity subsidy due to being wrongly registered as dead by the local municipality. People think I’m crazy when I explain my situation. I want to make it clear to the community that I am not a ghost. I am really alive.”

Thifhelimbilu Matshaya, the provincial spokesperson for Home Affairs, confirmed that according to their records, Mkhabele is indeed alive.

“People must verify their information before declaring someone deceased,” he stated.

Makhado Municipality spokesperson Louis Bobodi acknowledged the issue and said that an investigation would be conducted.