Teen’s ID bungle lasts months
A PORT Elizabeth teenager is living in limbo after the Home Affairs Department bungled his identity document (ID) book.
Westering High School headboy Mikhael Joshua Cain, of Kabega Park, has been battling to get his correct name on the ID book for almost two years.
The 17-year-old, Grade 11 pupil says his future education is also in jeopardy as he has to apply for bursaries and university places.
Mikhael also said he could not get a holiday job or a learner’s licence.
“I don’t have a proper ID,” he said. He applied through his school early last year.
The ID came back with the incorrect spelling of his name and his second name omitted.
The ID was returned – but Mikhael is still waiting for a replacement.
He and his parents have made numerous calls to the department and have also submitted applications for alteration of a forename, but still the family has not received an answer.
His mother, Rashida, said the problem was referred to the department’s head office in Pretoria and marked a “priority”.
“I called again on Monday and was told to call again in a week. So far I have made more than 40 calls,” Rashida said.
Mikhael said: “About 90% of my friends are getting their learner’s licences and I am the only one who can’t.”
He inherited a car from his late grandfather.
His mother said the family had not received any feedback from the department since the bungle was spotted. “The name in his passport is also misspelt but that is a fight for another day.
“We first want his identity document sorted out. When we inquire why the errors happened we are not given any reasons,” she said.
The Home Affairs Department did not respond to media inquiries.