Man’s five-year struggle for an identity document

Maunze, a Mozambican national, came to South Africa in 1961, Joburg East Express reported.

“I came to South Africa and worked at different mines in and around Johannesburg. My journey for a South Africa ID started in 2009, and since then, I have been back and forth between the hospital and the department of home affairs,” he said.

According to Maunze, when he applied for his, ID he was told to go to a doctor for health checks. He also had to visit the police for a criminal background check. Muanze said he completed all these steps, but has still not received his ID. Each time he is told by Home Affairs officials his documents have expired.

“I go back to do the criminal checks and health checks, and when I return, I am again told that the documents have expired,” he said. “The last time I went to Home Affairs, I was told to go to the Mozambique embassy and then return to Home Affairs. I am now tired of going there, and my wife has already given up.”

Maunze’s children have been forced to use their mother’s surname because he does not have an ID.

“I have been in this country for a long time. I cannot go back to Maputo now in my old age because I do not have anyone to stay with,” said Maunze.

Mayihlome Tshwete, from the department of home affairs, said not all cases were the same and that he would forward Maunze’s matter to immigration to establish if Maunze qualified for an ID or permanent residence in South Africa.

The department requested Maunze send the necessary documentation for it to be forwarded to the relevant people.

– Caxton News Service