Good day Honourable Minister Schrieber

My identity document was blocked due to duplicate ID numbers. On 31 October 2024 I visited the Home Affairs Office in Umgeni Road, Durban with the following documents:
• Copy of my parent’s identity documents
• Copy of my parent’s marriage certificate
• Copy of my parent’s death certificates
• Copy of my birth certificate
• Proof of address
• My identity document
• My expired passport

However, on being attended to, the official at Home Affairs provided me with a list of documents that were required. Besides an affidavit and 2 id photo’s which I did not have in my possession at that time, they also required a Grade 1 school letter and copy of the school register.

I contacted my school, and was informed that they do not retain old school registers. However, my Grade1 school was able to furnish me with a letter confirming my attendance at the school and indicated in the letter that registers for the period I attended school are no longer available.

The problem I have is that during my visit, I informed the Home Affairs Official that there is a possibility I may not be able to provide the two documents from my school as I am 63 years old, and the required information may no longer be available. I was told that if I am unable to provide all the documents required, my ID would remain blocked as they cannot send the file to Pretoria with outstanding documents.

I am now in a predicament to have my ID unblocked as the school retains these registers for a period of five years after leaving school.

I cannot afford to stand in the queue at Home Affairs only to be turned away for not have a copy of my school register.

Sir, I appeal to you to kindly advise me on the way forward.