Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Topic: Home Affairs  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

What can I do if Home Affairs won't help me get an ID because my parents aren't with me?

It would be helpful if one of your relatives came forward as a parental figure or guardian to help you apply.

Read more

Can I as a Zimbabwean travel to South Africa to give my child my surname?

Yes, your child can bear your name. You can travel to South Africa if you have a relative visa.

Read more

How can I get a copy of my South African–born child's birth certificate? Neither parent is South African.

Everyone born in South Africa has the right to a birth certificate. You should be able to get a copy from Home Affairs.

Read more

What visa/permit will allow my non-South African wife to stay in the country for longer than 90 days? I am a citizen.

You can apply for a temporary spousal visa or a spousal permit.

Read more

How can you get a birth certificate with no proof of birth or parent's ID?

You could make a sworn affidavit explaining your circumstances, but you may need legal help.

Read more

Can I get an ID if I was born in SA to foreign parents but my uncle has a valid South African ID?

Possibly. In terms of the 2018 judgement in the Naki case, Home Affairs should accept and consider your application.

Read more

How can I apply for the late registration of a birth certificate?

It depends during which stage of lockdown the baby was born.

Read more

Can I get permanent residency if my parent does, and I have lived in SA for more than five years?

Yes, if you are a dependent of a permanent residence holder and are aged under 21 years. But there is a massive backlog at Home Affairs.

Read more

Can I apply for an ID if my parent's ID is blocked?

If there is no other available parental ID but the blocked one, it could take a very long time for Home Affairs to resolve the problem.

Read more

How can you get a late registration of birth certificate and ID if you are an orphan with no family?

You need to find some proof that you were born in South Africa and that at least one of your parents was South African.

Read more