NOZIPHO Theba, who has been without an ID, is struggling to get a job and get her eight-year-old grandchild enrolled into school.
The 49-year-old from Springbok informal settlement told the COURIER that Ward 57 councillor Faeeza Chame took her ID last year.
Theba said the councillor came as a good Samaritan claiming that she wanted to help Theba get her grandchild enrolled in school.
“The councillor took my ID and documents from the Department of Home Affairs and she was going to help me get a birth certificate for my grandchild. She came here to help me with my grandchild but now I see it was all an act,” said Theba.
Theba’s daughter died several years ago leaving one child behind without a birth certificate. Since then Theba has been trying to get a birth certificate for her grandchild but now it is impossible since the councillor still has her ID.
According to Theba’s neighbours, Chame wasn’t interested in helping Theba. She was trying to get votes.
Theba also can’t find employment because every company requires an ID.
“Last month I got called for an interview and they loved me but I didn’t get the position because I don’t have an ID. I want my ID back from Chame. I can’t take this anymore,” said Theba.
She relies on her husband to provide for them but he also doesn’t have a stable job.
“My husband recycles bottles and plastic. Some days he comes home with nothing so I need my ID to get a job to help my husband,” she added.
One of the neighbours, who wishes not to be named, said she sent Chame a message stating that Theba needs her ID and the councillor replied and said that Theba should inform her when she is ready to go to the Department of Home Affairs.
The COURIER contacted Chame and she said there were two children in the settlement who needed to be enrolled in school.
“The mothers approached me and I went around looking for a school for the children. I only managed to get one child to school. It was already late in the year and after pleading with the school they took him in.
“Theba’s grandchild couldn’t get into any school because her mother, who died, didn’t have any documents for the little girl. I asked her for her ID because I spoke to an official at the Department of Home Affairs that can assist. But looks like the official is giving me a run-around,” said Chame.
Chame also said she is still trying to get Theba’s child to school but if Theba wants her ID back she will give it to her.
The councillor maintains that she took the ID to help out.
