In the various complaints, the identity document holders allege that their identity documents are endorsed with markers by the Department of Home Affairs (“DHA”) without affording them a hearing and opportunity to make representations. They further allege that the endorsements strip them of their legal identity, make it difficult for them to assert their human rights and deny them opportunities for full participation in social and economic life for long periods of time, only to have the endorsement removed years later.

The placing and removing of the markers are deemed to be against due administrative processes as prescribed by section 33 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the section 3(2)(b) of the Promotion of Justice Act 3 of 2000 and often in violation of identity document holders’ rights to citizenship, dignity and equality.  
To investigate these issues at a systematic level, the Commission is conducting an investigative inquiry to gather submissions from some of the affected complainants, civil society organisations, DHA provincial and national offices, and other relevant stakeholders.

The inquiry is scheduled to take place as follows:
Date: 26 September 2022
Venue: Mercure Hotel, Mbombela
Time:  9:00 am -17:30 pm

ENDS

For queries, please contact Ms Thobile Sibanyoni at the Mpumalanga Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission on 013 752 8292/076 262 0765 or on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..