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

Legal Matters: Schedule 6 bail and courtroom conduct under scrutiny

In this week’s Legal Matters segment, legal expert Nthabiseng Dubazana breaks down the high bar facing Schedule 6 bail applicants - and what accused persons must prove to secure release under South Africa’s strictest bail provisions. The discussion also turned to courtroom ethics after a judge referred an attorney’s conduct…
18 Feb 3PM 42 min

EFF, ActionSA reject roles in Ekurhuleni after cabinet reshuffle

Political tensions are simmering in the City of Ekurhuleni after ActionSA turned down an unexpected offer to join the ANC-led administration. Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza announced a reshuffled mayoral committee this week, appointing ActionSA’s mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, as MMC for Community Services and Bylaw Enforcement -despite the party not being…
18 Feb 3PM 21 min

ANC in Tshwane vows to expose corruption - including its own

The African National Congress in Tshwane says it is ready to act as a whistleblower against corruption in the city, even if it involves its own deployees. Regional secretary George Matjila has called for the suspension of Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi, accusing him of maladministration and incompetence. Matjila says the…
17 Feb 2PM 16 min

Ekurhuleni suspends two senior officials in governance reset

The City of Ekurhuleni has suspended its Head of Legal Services and Risk, Advocate Kemi Behari, and Head of Human Resources, Linda Qxasheka, as part of what it describes as an institutional renewal programme. Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said both officials have been served with charge sheets and will appear…
17 Feb 2PM 17 min

HEALTH FEATURE: Reproductive Health Month – Fertility realities

Reproductive Health Month continues - and this week, we tackle fertility later in life. From IVF and donor eggs to the emotional, psychological and financial toll of treatment, fertility specialist and gynaecologist Dr Tebogo Deo breaks down what individuals and couples need to know when trying to conceive at a…
16 Feb 3PM 43 min