Help Buhle fulfill her dream of going to school

The life of a seven-year-old girl has been put on hold – all because of red tape.

Buhle Msimang from Malvern is unable to attend school as she doesn’t have a birth certificate. “We have been sent from pillar to post but we are still not getting help from anyone. The hospital sent us to Home Affairs, from there we were sent to lawyers, only for them to send us back to where we started,” said the little girl’s uncle, Themba Msimang.

He said he has been trying to get her into school and is now losing hope. “It breaks my heart to see her left behind by her peers. She should be in school learning like other children.”

Buhle is currently being looked after by a neighbour during the day, as her uncle and mother work. “This situation has caused so much sadness in her life. It’s painful to see her roaming around doing nothing during the day. I was concerned about her safety and offered to look after her during the day,” said Mandisa Mamkeli.

Msimang said the problem started in 2015 when Buhle was registered at one of the primary schools in the area but was removed after three weeks because she did not have a birth certificate.

“She had all the other documents, her clinic card and Early Childhood Development report, but weeks later they said it’s not enough, the birth certificate must be there. I don’t understand why she was accepted in the first place, only to send her back home after three weeks,” complained Msimang.

He added that all they want for now is for Buhle to attend school while they try to sort out the issue.

Ward 65 councillor Lindani Zulu said this is the fate of a number of children in his ward. “This is very concerning because every child has a right to education. There needs to be a way to make arrangements while trying to solve the problem. A child is missing out on her schooling life and that is not right.”

Anyone who can assist the family and help Buhle receive an education, please contact Zulu.

No comment was received from the Department of Education by the time of publication.

Details: Lindani Zulu 072 251 6142.

Read: Help Pretty’s dream come true

Share your thoughts on the issue of children not being able to attend school if they don’t have birth certificates on the Joburg East Express Facebook page.