Mbombela, Mpumalanga – Residents of Tekwane South seized the opportunity to apply for identity documents and voice their frustrations over identity theft and poor service at Home Affairs offices during a community engagement with Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza on Thursday.
The event, held outside Mbombela, was part of the government’s initiative to bring essential Home Affairs services closer to remote and marginalized communities. The department deployed mobile units to assist locals with ID applications, but many attendees also raised long-standing grievances.
Identity Theft and Employment Struggles
One resident shared how identity theft had cost him job opportunities. “This has been a major setback for me,” he said.
Deputy Minister Nzuza acknowledged the challenges, stating that the department is actively addressing cases of fraud and corruption, some of which date back years.
“We understand that many people received identity documents incorrectly when systems were weak—those were the ‘golden ages’ of fraud,” Nzuza said. “Some individuals, including those who entered the country illegally, were flagged when we introduced the smart ID card. They must now explain how they obtained their documents.”
Crackdown on Fraud and Digital Migration
Nzuza emphasized the department’s commitment to cleaning up its records, particularly as South Africa transitions to a digital system. “We know there will be resistance from those who benefited from fraud, but we are determined to migrate every citizen to the smart ID card,” he said.
He also assured communities that the department aims to increase mobile services in remote areas to ensure better access for all.
The engagement highlighted both the progress in service delivery and the ongoing challenges faced by citizens, particularly regarding identity fraud and bureaucratic inefficiencies.