A 27-year-old Diepsloot domestic worker who was allegedly detained for lacking identity documents has been advised to apply for South African citizenship through Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber. 

In June, Caxton Network News reported on her alleged detention amid growing protests linked to March and March, a citizen-led movement advocating immigration reform and South African rights. 

During the interview, she explained that she was born in South Africa to a Mozambican mother and did not know who her father was or his nationality.  

The woman claimed she has been trying to obtain an identity document and have her citizenship status resolved since she was at school, but was unsuccessful.  

At the beginning of June, she was allegedly detained by police officers from the Diepsloot Police Station and officials from the Department of Home Affairs for not having the required documentation.  

She claimed police told her she was going to be deported to Mozambique despite never having lived in the country.  

After spending a day and a half in a holding cell, her family allegedly paid police R1 500 for her release.  

Department intervenes 

After her plight was published, Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Thulani Mavuso contacted the woman and advised her to apply for citizenship through the minister. 

Mavuso explained that if both your parents are foreigners, being born in South Africa does not automatically make you a citizen.  

“You are only a citizen if one of your parents is South African. In the woman’s case, she does not know who her father is, so her best option would be to apply for citizenship through the minister because she is stateless,” he said.  

Relief amid ongoing fear 

The woman said she now has renewed hope.  

“Days before the March and March protests, I left Diepsloot to stay with friends in KZN. I was afraid and I knew I would be safe with my friend. During my stay, I received a call from Home Affairs and was told to apply for my citizenship through the minister,” she said.  

“I felt a sense of relief because I could start the process of obtaining my citizenship. I returned to Diepsloot on July 5 and I am in the process of submitting my application. I am still fearful that I might be detained again because the March and March protests are being held weekly. However, I have hope that things will work out for me.”  

When the initial article was published, Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi advised the woman to report her alleged detention and the R1 500 payment for her release to the station commander. 

The woman, however, said she has not reported the matter, fearing victimisation. 

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