For years, a Howick woman lived in limbo — officially invisible, unable to access basic services and forced to put her future on hold after her identity document was stolen and used by someone else. Her dream of getting married was also deferred. There is now renewed hope for Maureen Nonhlanhla Sithole (47), whose long struggle to reclaim her identity has begun to turn around following the intervention ofThe Witnessand the Department of Home Affairs.
Sithole first toldThe Witnessof her ordeal in October, recalling the shock of discovering that a child had been registered under her name — born just three months before her own baby. The discovery came when she approached the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) to apply for a social grant for her now late child. Repeated visits to Home Affairs brought confusion, delays and emotional distress as Sithole tried to prove her identity on paper.
The crisis deepened as she prepared to get married this month, only to learn that she first had to restore her identity. AfterThe Witnesspublished her story and raised the matter with Home Affairs, Sithole said she was finally assisted during a recent visit to the department. Her documents were accepted, the investigation process completed, and she was informed that she could book an appointment for a new identity document.
Read Full Article on The Witness
[paywall]
While she is still awaiting its official issuance, the confirmation alone has brought immense relief. “I went to Home Affairs to try my luck again in late October, and when I was told my documents would be sent directly to someone investigating my case, I knew there was hope,” Sithole said. Even though I still don’t know how this happened, I’m grateful that someone finally looked into my case and that I can now get my life back.
[/paywall]
