Open Letter to the Minister and Department of Home Affairs
Progressive Forces of South Africa photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By PFSA as Concerned Citizens of South Africa
CONCERN OVER HANDLING OF CITIZENSHIP/IDENTITY FRAUD CASES AND POLICY
CHANGES AFFECTING SOUTH AFRICANS
Dear Honorable Minister of Home Affairs,
We write to express our deep disappointment and concern regarding two recent matters that directly affect the rights and dignity of South African citizens.
THE CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA MATTER
The case involving Ms. Chidimma Adetshina has caused pain for many South Africans.
Our concern is not about an individual’s dreams, but about the integrity of our citizenship system and the victims of identity fraud.
Home Affairs set out requirements for Ms. Adetshina to address allegations that her identity was obtained through fraudulent means by her parents.
To date, the public does not know if those requirements were fully met.
What is missing in this conversation is the South African citizen whose identity was allegedly stolen and used.
To this day, the name of that citizen has not been made public, and we have heard nothing about how government will restore what was lost.
We are talking about:
– Denial of access to SASSA grants, healthcare, and schooling
– Years lost from basic education through to tertiary
Intergenerational impact: if children were born using that stolen identity
If the parents committed fraud, and Ms. Adetshina was a 2nd year law student at the time, then the legal implications should have been clear.
South Africans are asking: who is taking
accountability for the real victim, and what is being done to restore them?
We cannot appear to be celebrating on the world stage while a South African citizen remains unnamed and uncompensated.
WAIVER OF MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE
Last week the Department announced a waiver of medical requirements for Permanent Residence applicants.
We are concerned given the rise of health risks globally.
Minister, what risk assessment was done? How does this decision protect South African citizens first, especially those in public clinics and hospitals who are already under strain?
REMINDER: THE MANDATE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
As a reminder, the core duties of the Department of Home Affairs are to:
1. Manage Citizenship and Civic Services: Birth, marriage, death registration, and issuing of IDs and passports to South Africans
2. Immigration and Border Management: Control entry, residence and status of foreigners in line with the Immigration Act and Refugees Act
3. Protect the Integrity of the National Population Register: Prevent identity theft and fraud
4. Safeguard National Security: Ensure that immigration and citizenship decisions do not compromise public health, safety and economic interests of South Africans
5. Render Services Efficiently and Equitably: Serve all people in South Africa with dignity, without corruption or bias
Minister, we ask that you return to this mandate.
Protect South Africans first.
1. Public update on what was done for the South African citizen whose identity was allegedly
stolen in the Adetshina case, including restitution.
2. Clarity and reversal/consultation on the waiver of medical requirements for PR applicants.
3. An urgent meeting with civil society to discuss how to restore public trust in Home Affairs.
We are not against foreign nationals.
We are for a Home Affairs that puts South Africans first, that is transparent, and that restores victims of fraud.