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Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email info@groundup.org.za.

Topic: Home Affairs  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

My partner is almost 30 and is without a birth certificate. He is struggling to access his deceased's mother's documents. Please help.

He can try gathering his own school or hospital records and seek help from legal organisations.

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I was raised by my South African father without an ID or birth certificate due to my mother being undocumented. What can I do?

Even without all the documents, you have the right to apply for Late Registration of Birth. If Home Affairs refuses or delays, you can seek legal help.

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How can we help a child get a birth certificate if the mother refuses to assist and he needs to attend a special school?

You could ask if the social workers are able to apply for a birth certificate for the child if the mother is unable or unwilling to do it.

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I was abandoned by my parents, and don't have an ID or proof of birth documents. How can I apply for an ID on my own?

If your birth was registered, you can get a copy of your birth certificate from Home Affairs. If not, you will need to apply through the Late Registration of Birth process.

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Can I apply for a print of my sister’s birth certificate using my ID?

Yes you can. Home Affairs will recognise that you have a right to represent your sister in the absence of any parent or guardian.

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I am struggling to get my ID. My guardian who signed my birth certificate has died. I don't have his death certificate and Home Affairs says he is still alive. What can I do?

You first need to confirm his death was registered at the Master's Office so you can take his death certificate to Home Affairs and apply for your ID.

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How long does it take to get an ID card?

It seems to take two to three weeks on average to get your smart ID card.

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Can I apply for my newborn's birth certificate if I am still waiting for Home Affairs to verify my fingerprints?

Probably not. You can ask Home Affairs if they can expedite your fingerprint verification.

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Why have I still not heard back from Home Affairs regarding my appeal for my rejected letter of good cause?

There is a huge backlog at Home Affairs, so the acting Director-General extended existing permits for those who applied or appealed before 20 November 2023.

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I can't access my online ID application to complete it. What should I do?

You should contact Home Affairs and ask them to help.

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