THEKWANE – A mother of two, who was identified as a male when applying for her Identity Document, is struggling to get assistance to correct the error.
Khululiwe Gumede says she did not know it would be five years of back and forth. Her troubles began in 2020 when she went to Home Affairs to apply for her ID. She was one of the many people who were present during Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza’s visit in the province focussing on Smart Card ID applications and collections on Thursday, June 12.
“My birth certificate stated that I am a female, yet my ID says I am a man. After giving birth to my first child, I went back to to Home Affairs to try and rectify the mistake as I could not apply for a child support grant. “I was told to consult a doctor who would confirm whether I am male or female. Since I was breastfeeding at the time, I tried to show the officials my breasts, but they stopped me,” explained Gumede.
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She attempted getting help at Rob Ferreira Hospital, but claims she was turned away because her records were not available.
“My mother told me that she gave birth at home, but later went to the clinic in the CBD where her I was registered. I have been to the government complex for assistance and was advised to go back to Home Affairs to fill in forms, but still nothing has changed.”
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She says her life is at a standstill. All she is pleading for is for the mistake to be rectified so that she can further her studies and improve her life. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister assured residents that through various interventions, rural communities will access the department’s services.
“We are aware of the errors in some people’s documents due to various factors. With the digitihation taking place, such issues will be attended to. I want to emphasise to our people the importance of registering children after giving birth. We offer services in hospitals. There is no excuse why you cannot register your child within 30 days,” said Nzuza.
