Mom fails to register child due to double ID
AN EAST London mother who could not register her newborn for an unabridged birth certificate is still struggling to register the baby nine months after her birth.
This was due to a duplicate identity which was only discovered when Anelisa Blayi, 27, gave birth.
Her child, now nine months old, has not been registered despite the Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulating that all children born in South Africa must be registered within 30 days of their birth.
In October last year, Blayi was told by East London Home Affairs officials that her case would take six months to investigate.
However, nine months later, she was told that Home Affairs was still “investigating”.
Blayi received her green barcoded identity document (ID) in 2008 and has never applied for a second one or a smart ID card.
She is said to be sharing her name, surname, and ID number with another Anelisa Blayi registered in Kimberley.
Both the child and the mother’s lives have now become difficult, especially for the nine-month old who cannot be placed at a daycare centre, or get medical assistance at private practices.
Blayi said the runaround she has been given by Home Affairs has left her feeling helpless.
“I cannot do anything for my child because I have no way of proving the child is mine,” she said.
“I had to make special arrangements for the child to be immunized at a nearby clinic, but still have to explain my situation each time we visit.
“When she gets very sick, I cannot take her to a doctor or a clinic, I am forced to get over-the-counter medication and in some instances I do not have cash to buy the medication, but have a medical aid which I am unable to [register] my daughter [as an beneficiary] due to a birth certificate that we do not have,” she said.
East London Home Affairs regional manager Fanisile Spayile confirmed the case was reported in October, but remained unresolved.
“The case was sent to the relevant section and it should have not gotten to this point at all. It was investigated, but left halfway. The official assigned to monitor the case should have taken it to the supervisor, after seeing that the investigations have come to a halt.”
Spayile said they were looking at speedy solutions. “We have delegated officials to contact the client with a view of resolving the matter.” —