Civic group threatens nationwide shutdown over blocked IDs

Dozens of frustrated demonstrators gathered outside the Department of Home Affairs headquarters in Pretoria on Monday, accusing the department of inefficiency, neglect, and failing to resolve long-standing identity document (ID) issues affecting thousands of South Africans.

Protesters, supported by the Soil of Africa civic movement, are calling for immediate action to unblock citizens’ IDs and restore access to essential services. They also accuse the department of mishandling the crisis of undocumented migrants and enabling corruption within its own ranks.

Among the demonstrators was Mpho Seseng, a South African-born woman whose late mother was from Lesotho. Speaking to YNews, Seseng said she’s been struggling for years to obtain an ID despite having a South African birth certificate.

“I left school because I don’t have an ID. I also had to leave my job because I couldn’t submit one. I can’t even go to the clinic. The department is failing to help me,” said Seseng.

She now survives with help from her sister’s social grant, which also supports two children.

Protesters claim the department is endangering citizens by ignoring their documentation issues, while some allege that officials have sold IDs to undocumented migrants.

Derick Chauke from Limpopo, who worked in the mining sector since the 1990s, said his ID was suddenly flagged due to questions about his nationality. Speaking to YNews, he explained how this has left him without access to his own bank account.

“I got my ID in 1998 after finishing school. Now it’s blocked, and I can’t access my money. I’m struggling — I don’t even have a cent,” Chauke said, holding documents he claims the department had previously requested.

Chauke and dozens of others are demanding at least a temporary solution, saying they won’t leave until they get answers.

In response, the Department of Home Affairs urged affected individuals to submit valid documentation at their nearest office for assistance.

Deputy Director-General for Civic Services, Thomas Sigama, acknowledged the crisis, saying the department is overwhelmed by the number of blocked ID cases — currently estimated at 384,000. He added that Home Affairs has approached the courts and been granted two years to resolve the issue.

“We urge all affected citizens to come forward with proper documentation. Many cases involve people who obtained documents fraudulently. This creates further complications,” Sigama explained during a media briefing.

However, Soil of Africa leader Bongani Ramontja says the department has failed to act, even after affected individuals submitted the required documents.

“We did what Home Affairs asked. Now they claim there are duplicates or that IDs were fraudulently sold. Why are people still blocked? This issue runs deeper than they admit,” said Ramontja.

The civic group has given the department one week to act or face a nationwide shutdown of Home Affairs offices.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao