Dear Dr. Leon Schreiber, Honorable Minister

I am issuing this public statement to bring to your urgent attention a matter of grave administrative concern regarding the extraordinary delays within the Department of Home Affairs, specifically concerning applications for citizenship by naturalization.

My spouses application for naturalization has now been pending for over 36 months—three full years since submission. Despite fulfilling all legal prerequisites, submitting all required documentation, and repeatedly attempting to follow up through official departmental channels, my application remains stuck in perpetuity without any clear update, justification, or resolution. When you assumed office, your clear public commitments to clearing historical backlogs, embracing digital transformation, and restoring administrative efficiency brought immense hope to thousands of lawful residents. We welcomed your vision of a Home Affairs that functions as an economic enabler and a modern, efficient department. However, a 36-month delay far exceeds any reasonable administrative timeframe. It directly contradicts the principles of fair administrative justice enshrined in Section 33 of the South African Constitution and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA).

Living in a state of prolonged administrative limbo has severe practical and emotional implications. It restricts freedom of movement, complicates career progression, impacts financial planning, and leaves families in an agonizing state of long-term uncertainty. Applicants who qualify for naturalization are individuals who have already lived, worked, and invested in South Africa legally for many years. We have chosen South Africa as our permanent home and wish to fully pledge our allegiance to the Republic, yet we are met with systemic silence.

Therefore, I respectfully but urgently appeal to your office to:

1. Investigate the specific bottlenecks causing naturalization applications to stall for multiple years after submission.
2. Review and expedite long-pending applications—particularly those that have crossed the 36-month threshold—to ensure a lawful decision is reached without further delay.
3. Provide transparent, automated tracking updates so that applicants are not left entirely in the dark.

I remain deeply committed to South Africa and trust that under your leadership, the Department of Home Affairs will honor its mandate to provide efficient, secure, and compassionate public service to all who qualify. Thank you for your time, consideration, and urgent intervention in restoring administrative justice.

Yours truly,

Tausif Patel