Young girl’s dreams hang in limbo over ID fiasco

Charmoné Karsten is a teenager whose life has become a nightmare because of maladministration at Home Affairs.

The 16-year-old from Hoërskool Hugenote and her peers participated in Allegretto FAK Toneelfees that took place last year.

This would give her, should they win, the opportunity to showcase their play on the Splendida MSC Cruise in coordination with Lefra Productions and Oppiwater Kunstefees at the Portuguese Islands in February.

The group’s play, Tussen Die Lang Grasse won the National Play Festival out of 146 other plays by performers from all over South Africa.

The excited family from Selection Park then started the process of preparing their daughter for the unforgettable journey.

Her father, Marius, took her to Home Affairs in Springs where she would apply for her passport.

“We were told that she needs to apply for her ID first as we could not apply for her passport with her birth certificate,” he explains.

They applied for her ID in August with full confidence that the documents needed would be ready in time for her departure. Five months later Charmoné still hasn’t received her ID.

“When I call head office and visit the branch, we are told that her ID is stuck on the Cloud. Without her ID, she can’t get her passport and she will miss the opportunity she has been anticipating for so long.

“I have invested so many resources in searching for answers and a way around this situation,” lamented Marius.

The realisation that she might not go has taken not only an emotional toll, but a financial one for the family as well.

“I have spent over R25 000 preparing for this trip and it breaks my heart to know that all would have been for nothing.”

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Charmoné’s coaches Kobus and Wayne van der Schyff-Smal expressed their worry and disappointment at the news.

“We are saddened with the news that one of our key players will maybe not be joining us because of this unexplained error from home affairs. We wish and pray that this is resolved before she loses her opportunity to join the group,” said the coaches.

This has been a difficult time for the family and Marius worries for his daughter’s well-being.

“I have considered taking her to see a specialist because she is distraught and inconsolable,” added Marius.

The Springs Advertiser reached out to the Department of Home Affairs via email from January 4 to 11.

A response was received on January 10 which read: “Please be informed that your request is receiving attention.”