The Struggle for Identity: Khayelitsha Residents Demand Birth Certificates and IDs - Cape Town Today

We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies.

Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Powered by Cookieyes logo

The Struggle for Identity: Khayelitsha Residents Demand Birth Certificates and IDs

by
1 min read
khayelitsha department of home affairs

On Tuesday morning, around 200 residents of Khayelitsha, a township in Cape Town, South Africa, marched to the Department of Home Affairs. Their goal was to express their frustration with the slow processing of birth certificates and identification documents (IDs).

Frustration Mounts over Delayed Legal Documents

Residents of Khayelitsha have grown weary of waiting for the department to process their essential legal documents. In some cases, residents have been waiting for their IDs since as far back as 2013. Parents have yet to receive birth certificates for their children, which prevents them from registering for social grants.

Broken Promises and Unfulfilled Assurances

Sinathemba Mtheza, a community activist, conveyed the exasperation of the Khayelitsha community members. She pointed out that despite previous arrangements with the management, the issue remains unresolved. Mtheza denounced the department’s unfulfilled assurances of assistance and continuous delays in addressing the residents’ concerns.

Personal Struggle with Nonexistence in South Africa

Khanya Mtshoniswa, a 28-year-old Khayelitsha resident, shared her personal struggle with News24. After moving from the Eastern Cape as a teenager, Khanya has never possessed an ID or birth certificate. Her numerous visits to the department have always ended in disappointment due to the lack of satisfactory answers. The absence of identification documents has hampered her ability to find employment and apply for social grants, causing her immense emotional distress.

A Memorandum of Demands

Residents drafted a memorandum outlining their demands and presented it to Bongiwe Sakawuli, the district manager of home affairs. Sakawuli signed the document, acknowledging its receipt and pledging a response within 14 days.

The Importance of Legal Identity Documents

The Khayelitsha residents’ march serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of legal identity documents in today’s world. Birth certificates and IDs are not just pieces of paper, but gateways to essential social and economic opportunities. The people of Khayelitsha have shown that they will not stand idly by as their rights are denied, bravely uniting to demand the recognition and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Tags:

You might be interested in

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

environment community
Previous Story

Transforming Invasive Water Hyacinths into Biochar: The Khayelitsha Canoeists’ Initiative

surfing south africa
Next Story

The Inspiring Journey of South African Surfing Legend Cass Collier

Latest from Blog

vaping south african teenagers adolescent health risks

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

south african agriculture agoa trade impact

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

ashley oosthuizen thailand drug laws

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

saps officers missing hennops river tragedy

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

cape town boatbuilding maritime industry

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.