Parents Accused of Selling Birth Certificates to Foreigners as Children Struggle for IDs
The Department of Home Affairs has launched an investigation into claims that some mothers are selling their children’s original birth certificates to foreigners, leaving young South Africans unable to obtain identity documents.
The allegations emerged after several 18-year-olds struggled to produce original birth certificates while applying for IDs.
Revelations First Surface in Cape Town
According to IOL, the first cases were reported in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, where Shereen Meyer, the area manager for Home Affairs, raised the issue during a community meeting attended by residents and stakeholders.
“Our citizenship is not to be sold,” Meyer declared firmly, warning that the alleged conduct was a serious offence.
Speaking to the Weekend Argus, Meyer confirmed that an internal probe had begun after the department became aware that several matric learners could not supply the necessary documentation for their IDs.
Department Confirms Ongoing Investigation
Siyabulela Qoza, spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs, confirmed that they were investigating three known cases and examining whether more instances may have occurred.
“We found that the mothers are selling their kids’ birth certificates without the knowledge of Home Affairs, especially when they come for replacements — and they get questioned,” Qoza said.
He emphasised that there was no indication that Home Affairs employees were involved.
“We do not feel comfortable that this is happening and will launch a national investigation. Based on what we are able to find, we will determine what will need to happen,” he added.
Qoza also sought to reassure the public that there are no cases where two people share the same identity document.
Broader Context of Identity Fraud
South Africa has grappled with identity fraud for decades. Since the dawn of democracy, illegal immigrants have tried to secure local documentation — including IDs, birth certificates, and marriage certificates — sometimes aided by corrupt officials.
In some instances, women discovered their IDs had been stolen or cloned, leaving them listed as married to strangers.
Globally, identity theft has surged, with the United States Federal Trade Commission previously warning that identity fraud had become the number one white-collar crime in America.
Public Officials Condemn the Practice
The revelations have drawn widespread condemnation from public officials.
Mitchells Plain constituency head Ricardo Mackenzie labelled the claims “disgusting.”
“It is disgusting that mommies are doing this. What makes it even more sad is that the children have to suffer,” he said.
Mackenzie said he would write to the Minister of Home Affairs to demand urgent intervention and explore ways to prevent such abuses in the future.