Dear Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs,

I was born in South Africa on January 12, 2003, to Congolese refugees. Unfortunately, due to the closure of the Home Affairs offices during the pandemic, I couldn't apply for citizenship right after turning 18 on January 12, 2021. It was only on March 4, 2022, that I was able to submit my application at the Cape Town Home Affairs offices with the assistance of the UCT Refugee Law Clinic. On May 5, 2023, I finally received a letter confirming the approval of my application. After gathering all the necessary documents, I went to the Bellville Home Affairs Offices to be registered on the identification system and applied for an Identity book on June 22, 2023. However, there has been no progress on my application since then. It was suspended because my country code is listed as Congo (Kinshasa), even though I was born in South Africa - an error made by the Refugee Home Affairs.

I have been eagerly awaiting the outcome of the meeting between the South African Home Affairs department and the Refugee Home Affairs, as they work towards finding a solution. I have inquired about the date of this meeting twice, but the response has always been uncertain. It's disheartening to have my life hanging in the balance due to this uncertainty. It has been three years, and I am still unable to apply for tertiary education, a bursary, or funding for my dream business in events management. My life has been significantly delayed, and I sincerely request that my case is given the attention it deserves.

Looking forward to your reply,
Lorcia