The Department of Home Affairs has launched a nationwide campaign to assist individuals whose IDs were blocked prior to November 2022 and to ensure the integrity of the National Population Register.

The department said a number of IDs were blocked in terms of Section 19 of the Identification Act 68 of 1997, including those classified as duplicates and cases where an individual’s status requires verification.

Affected individuals are invited to submit representations at any Home Affairs branch by July 10, explaining why their identity numbers should be unblocked.

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Individuals must appear in person to provide written and oral representations. Where available, applicants should bring supporting documentation, including, but not limited to:

• Original birth certificate (or handwritten birth certificate)
• Original clinic card or confirmation of birth
• Copy of a hospital register or other proof of birth
• Parents’ identity documents, reference books, or death certificates
• Primary school extract and a copy of the school register
• House permit or a letter from the relevant traditional authority
• Affidavit from parents or the original informant, together with a copy of the informant’s identity document
• Any other document that may assist in confirming their identity, citizenship or legal status

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The department may cancel identity documents or records where it is found that they:

• Were issued to individuals who do not qualify for inclusion in the National Population Register
• Contain incorrect personal particulars
• Were obtained through fraud, false statements, misrepresentation or the submission of incorrect information
• Have been forged, altered, stolen or otherwise unlawfully manipulated
• Belong to persons who fail to appear in person with the required supporting documents

To date, 2 202 368 identity numbers have been unblocked. The department urged the public to respond promptly and utilise this opportunity to formalise their status.