Home Affairs has left a quarter of a million people waiting years for birth certificates

Loading player...
At least a quarter of a million people have been waiting years for their applications
for late birth registration to be processed. And this is a conservative estimate, the
Children’s Institute says in its papers filed with the Western Cape High Court. The
court application seeks to put the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on terms to
take action to tackle the backlog. The institute, represented by the Legal Resources
Centre, says the department’s tardy approach to this issue, which affects
fundamental rights of children and their parents and caregivers, must be declared
unconstitutional. Phemelo speaks to Senior Attorney at the Legal Resources Centre,
Cecile van Schalkwyk.
17 Jun 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Joburg's fuel crisis raises concerns over service delivery

Johannesburg's financial troubles are under the spotlight after Roads and Transport MMC Kenny Kunene revealed that fuel services to the Johannesburg Roads Agency fleet have been suspended. The move has left vehicles responsible for pothole repairs, traffic signal maintenance and emergency infrastructure inspections grounded, sparking concerns about the City's ability…
24 Jun 5PM 22 min

Parliament seeks answers over clash between IDAC and Crime Intelligence

Parliament is demanding clarity following a dramatic standoff involving the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and senior Crime Intelligence officials. The incident has raised fresh concerns about tensions within South Africa's security cluster, with questions mounting over accountability and law enforcement oversight. Phemelo speaks to Portfolio Committee on Police Chairperson…
24 Jun 4PM 13 min

Thousands of Malawians stranded as repatriation efforts stall

Thousands of Malawian nationals remain stranded across KwaZulu-Natal as authorities battle logistical challenges in a large-scale repatriation process. Officials say limited transport capacity from the Malawian government has slowed efforts, forcing authorities to balance voluntary returns with deportation procedures. Phemelo speaks to KZN Premier spokesperson Lindelani Mbatha about the delays…
24 Jun 4PM 10 min

Campaign launched to reopen Joburg libraries on Saturdays

Civil society groups are calling on the City of Johannesburg to reopen public libraries on Saturdays, arguing that learners, job seekers and communities are being deprived of vital resources and safe public spaces. A petition has now been launched to pressure the City to restore weekend access. Phemelo speaks to…
24 Jun 4PM 6 min