Dear Minister Schreiber,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you to seek urgent assistance regarding my application for a new South African ID. Despite my persistent efforts, I have encountered significant obstacles in obtaining the Smart ID card and am seeking clarity and resolution on this matter.

To provide some background, I was born in Zimbabwe (1979) to a South African father, which, according to my understanding, granted me South African citizenship from birth. I have lived in South Africa for the past 45 years (since 1980), have held two South African Green ID booklets, and have been issued three South African passports, the most recent of which has now expired. Additionally, I am a tax-paying, voting South African citizen.

Five years ago, I got married and now need my identity document and passport to reflect my new surname for essential banking and tax purposes. However, my recent attempts to update my ID have been met with considerable challenges. I was informed by the Department of Home Affairs in Cresta that I must apply for the outdated Green ID book at the Dodsonville office, which is located in an area known for its high crime rate. I find this both concerning and impractical.

It is my understanding that naturalised citizens and those with permanent residency are not eligible for the Smart ID card. However, I am neither of these; I am a South African citizen by birthright through my father. Despite this, I have faced resistance at every turn, with no clear guidance on why I am not considered eligible for the Smart ID card.

The current situation has become untenable, and I urgently require your assistance to clarify the following:

Am I eligible for the Smart ID card as a South African citizen by birth through my father?
If so, what steps must I take to ensure that my application is processed promptly and without further hindrance?
If not, what specific regulations disqualify me, and how can I work towards resolving this issue?
My previous attempts to resolve this issue were met with unhelpful responses and significant delays, including during a time when I was heavily pregnant and during the COVID-19 lockdowns. I am now faced with even greater challenges and am in desperate need of your intervention to ensure that my rights as a South African citizen are upheld.

Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated, and I look forward to your prompt response.