More than 100k IDs sitting uncollected at KZN Home Affairs
Thousands of KwaZulu-Natal residents may be turned away from the polls - all because their ID is sitting at a Home Affairs office waiting to be collected.
Approximately 105 878 identity documents remain uncollected at Home Affairs offices across KwaZulu-Natal, raising serious concerns about the province's readiness for the upcoming local government elections.
The backlog includes the older green bar-coded ID books and newer smart ID cards and has been building since December 2025.
Home Affairs provincial manager Cyril Mncwabe has described the situation as deeply troubling, warning that the volume of unclaimed documents poses a direct risk to voter turnout at a critical time in the country's electoral calendar.
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Who is most affected by the uncollected IDs?
A significant portion of the uncollected documents belongs to individuals between the ages of 15 and 35. This age group is considered a key demographic in shaping electoral outcomes, making their participation in the voting process particularly important.
What happens to IDs that are never collected?
According to The Witness, Mncwabe has appealed to residents to collect their documents without delay, noting that IDs which remain uncollected for a prolonged period are eventually returned to Pretoria.
"Once IDs remain uncollected for a certain period, they are returned to Pretoria," he said.
This means residents who fail to collect their documents in time may face additional delays and complications in obtaining them at a later stage, potentially affecting their ability to vote.
What steps is the department taking to address the backlog?
The Department of Home Affairs has intensified its outreach efforts across the province in response to the growing backlog. Officials are working alongside school principals and various community stakeholders to spread awareness and encourage residents to collect their documents.
The department is also continuing with stock-taking to establish the exact breakdown between green ID books and smart ID cards among the uncollected items.
Mncwabe stressed that the situation requires urgent attention, given the electoral period ahead.
“We urge people not to delay. This is especially important as we approach a crucial time in the country," he said.
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Why does having a valid ID matter ahead of elections?
An identity document is a fundamental requirement for voter registration and participation in South African elections. Without a valid ID, eligible citizens are unable to cast their votes.
Residents of KwaZulu-Natal who have applied for identity documents and have not yet collected them are urged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office as soon as possible to avoid their documents being returned to Pretoria.
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