Durban woman tells of three-year battle over ID
A Durban woman who has struggled for three years with an ID that reflects she's male is pleading with Home Affairs officials to fix the problem once and for all.
Siphelele Mdanda's plight came to light this morning when Deputy Minister, Njabulo Nzuza made a surprise visit to the Umgeni Road branch.
Mdanda sobbed as she clutched her baby daughter tightly in her arms, pleading with Nzuza to intervene.
She said she's been coming to Umgeni Road since 2016 to solve the problem but has not been successful.
Mdanda got a new ID card after two years but the problem persists.
"I wrote my matric with an old ID which says I'm male. If I apply for university or learnerships, they say I don't comply because my IDs are clashing. My matric certificate identifies me as male but my new ID says I'm female. I am unable to study yet - because I have this ID problem," Mdanda said.
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She said she was at Home Affairs this morning to get a confirmation letter to help ease confusion.
"When I called the centre, they said it's done and I should come to fetch [the letter]. When I come here, they say they do not have it. I cannot do anything without this confirmation letter."
Nzuza took down Mdanda's details and said they'll try and assist her.
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