Birth certificate error puts teen’s life on hold

AKHONA Mafenuka’s worst nightmare is that she will continue to be identified as a man.

That’s if the Department of Home Affairs does not correct the mistaken entry on her birth certificate that she is male.

Mafuneka, 19, has been waiting for Home Affairs to correct her birth certificate for two years and cannot apply for an identity document until her gender is properly indicated.

The matric pupil from Butterworth is studying at Unathi High School in Cambridge location,

She said she had supplied officials at the department’s office in her home town with everything they requested “but to date we have not received any feedback”.

Mafuneka said officials requested copies of the incorrect birth certificate, her clinic card, her mother’s death certificate and a copy of her guardian’s identity document.

“I even paid the R170 fee. Despite all of this they keep telling me they are waiting for a response from Pretoria, but it’s been more than two years now.

Mafuneka said she has been baffled by the error, especially since her clinic card clearly states she is a girl.

“I cannot have an identity document until my birth certificate is fixed and it feels like my life has been put on hold.

“In 2013 when I attempted to have the error rectified, I wanted to obtain my learner’s driving licence but that has been on hold ever since.

Mafuneka’s aunt Nosisi Sonjica said she had been calling the head office in Pretoria weekly to check on any developments.

“Every week this year I have been calling the national office in Pretoria because I am worried that now she is in matric, an ID is essential to write exams.”

Sonjica said the document was also a prerequisite in all tertiary institutions where Mafuneka has been applying for next year.

“Most recently when I called Pretoria I was told that she should go back to Butterworth and request a letter from the branch addressed to the school stating that there is a problem with her ID, but the Butterworth office declined.

“Officials at Butterworth told me there was no need for a letter, so they didn’t write one. They just dismissed me,” Mafuneka said.

Provincial home affairs manager Gcinile Mabulu was shocked to learn of Mafun case.

“Now that it’s been brought to my attention I will consult with the Butterworth office and investigate to ensure Mafenuka’s birth certificate is rectified.” —