Boundary citizens cause ‘headache’ for provincial government, says
Premier Mabuza
07 August 2013
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has told the Home
Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor that thousands of undocumented citizens
residing adjacent Swaziland and Mozambique are a ‘headache’ for the
provincial government.
Speaking during the minister’s Imbizo in Elukwatini
near Badplaas, Premier Mabuza asked the Minister to look into the matter as
the problem was intensifying day-by-day.
He asked the Minister to further take the matter with
Cabinet in an effort to find a lasting solution as the problem made it
difficult for the provincial government to budget properly and to deliver
the expected services.
“We are neighbours and yet we are related. Our history dates back long time ago. This nation which is not documented in our province is increasing. This therefore gives the provincial government ‘headache’ because I cannot give these people houses, social grants and textbooks.
“When we purchase textbooks for the schools, it means we should procure extra. Some would even come here to get their pension payment and go then back. Their children complete matric here but because they do not have identity documents, they cannot be economically active,” said Mabuza.
Mabuza cited that many citizens around the borders had
children born in South Africa but could not be documented since their
parents also did not have identity documents.
The Premier acknowledged that part of the history
between Mpumalanga and the two countries emanate from the times of the
struggle for freedom, many South Africans from the province seek refuge
there but remained behind with their newly established families after the
dawn of democracy.
“When they come here, they feel they are entitled to be citizens although they do not have documentation. This entitlement should however not be abused, as this continuously creates problems for the provincial government.
“We cannot chase them away, where will they go? We have observed that they end-up getting documents fraudulently and this creates another problem of crime and corruption,” said Mabuza.
Speaking during the Imbizo citizens publicly told
Minister Pandor that they were afraid to apply for the identity documents at
Home Affairs office for fear of arrest and deportation.
An elderly woman with a white jersey conceded that she
originated from Mozambique long time ago but had children in South Africa.
She feared arrest and deportation after losing her identity document. She
appreciated the South African government for giving her an RDP house and
that she was receiving social grants.
She said she did not have a problem about being
deported, however she would not leave her children and her house behind, to
the amusement of the crowd.
Although many people admitted not having identity
documents, others complained about lack of birth and death certificates.
Meanwhile Minister Pandor encouraged citizens to have
their new born babies registered within 30 days at any Home Affairs offices.
She said her department would arrange a service delivery week where it would
bring its mobile offices to assist with applications for identity documents.
Earlier in the day, both the Minister and the Premier
had visited the Oshoek Border Post.
Issued by Zibonele Mncwango
Spokesperson: Mpumalanga Premier
Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Tel: (013) 766-2453
Mobile: 079 491 0163
