Ms Maemu Alidzulwi wants Mirror to assist her to fix her incorrect ID, which was issued in 1998. Maemu, who stays at Khubvi village, says she has tried everything to have her problem solved but her plea always falls on deaf ears. Her ID says she was born in 1949, whereas she indicates that her correct year of birth is 1947.

“I am now tired of visiting Home Affairs at Makwarela, because I get empty promises time and again. I only want my ID book to reflect the correct information but I am suffering because somebody is not doing his job. How much longer must I suffer before I actually get assistance?”

Maemu said she knows many younger people whose ID books reflect that they were born before her. “My father told me that I was born in 1947, the year when the Lukandwani Shop was built. I have been trying to rectify this ID for the past five years, but Home Affairs have always told me that my problem will be solved. I believe I do not deserve to suffer like this because I am entitled to government services like all other community members. I am now tired of traveling to Makwarela and I no longer have hope that my problem will be solved.”

Maemu says Mirror is the only hope for her to have her ID problem solved. “I have heard that you assist people with problems and I believe this is now my turn to be assisted. I will never rest until my problem is solved because I deserve to enjoy life like all the citizens of this country.”

Mr Mmboneni Mphigalale of Makwarela Home Affairs invited Maemu to come to his office. He requested Mirror to organize an appointment for him and Maemu so that the matter could be ironed out urgently. “We will gladly assist her and I am looking forward to interviewing her personally so that I know where to start.”