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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 [email protected].

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

How can you get a birth certificate with no proof of birth or parent's ID?

You could make a sworn affidavit explaining your circumstances, but you may need legal help.

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Can I get an ID if I was born in SA to foreign parents but my uncle has a valid South African ID?

Possibly. In terms of the 2018 judgement in the Naki case, Home Affairs should accept and consider your application.

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How can I apply for the late registration of a birth certificate?

It depends during which stage of lockdown the baby was born.

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Can I get permanent residency if my parent does, and I have lived in SA for more than five years?

Yes, if you are a dependent of a permanent residence holder and are aged under 21 years. But there is a massive backlog at Home Affairs.

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Can I apply for an ID if my parent's ID is blocked?

If there is no other available parental ID but the blocked one, it could take a very long time for Home Affairs to resolve the problem.

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How can you get a late registration of birth certificate and ID if you are an orphan with no family?

You need to find some proof that you were born in South Africa and that at least one of your parents was South African.

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Can I get an ID if my birth was registered under the name/ID of someone who is not my birth mother?

Yes, but you should include an affidavit explaining the circumstances of your birth.

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Can I get a spousal visa for my partner if we are not married?

No, you need to apply for a life partner visa.

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I have been told that I cannot write my matric without an ID but Home Affairs won't issue me one.

It is unconstitutional to be prevented from writing your matric without an ID or other documentation. Your father can make a sworn affidavit to help your ID application.

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Why is it taking so long to transfer my Zimbabwean Exemption Permit to a new passport?

Home Affairs has been particularly inefficient since the Covid restrictions were implemented.

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