Agreement Mkhari 
A destitute family from Praktiseer, outside Burgersfort in Limpopo, is calling for urgent assistance in acquiring essential documents like birth certificates and identity papers. The plight of 37-year-old Dimakatso Malatjie, who has no identity document, reflects a much larger struggle faced by her family, including her 19-year-old daughter, Promise, who is also without proper identification.
Dimakatso’s daughter, Promise, has made a heartfelt appeal to the Department of Home Affairs, urging them to stop violating her rights and assist in obtaining a birth certificate for her 4-year-old daughter, Confidence. Without this document, Confidence is unable to receive the child support grant, further compounding the family’s hardships.
Dimakatso, who suffers from a rare mental illness known as bipolar disorder, shared that Promise, her son Quinton, and herself have all been unable to obtain birth certificates or identity documents. Only Dimakatso’s daughter, Precious, has a birth certificate, but even that hasn’t been enough to access government support. The absence of documentation has left them in an ongoing state of vulnerability.
The family’s suffering is further compounded by the tragic loss of Dimakatso’s mother, who passed away years ago without ever having an identity document. The only members of the family who hold valid identification are their 49-year-old aunt, Anna Malatjie, and their 85-year-old great-grandmother, Maria Malatjie.
Promise says that for years, social workers have instructed them to wait for DNA test results, a promise that has yet to materialize. This delay has prevented them from applying for the necessary documents, leaving the family in a state of uncertainty. They fear they were excluded from participating in the national elections due to their lack of identity papers.
With no access to social grants, the impoverished family is struggling to make ends meet. They are also caring for a terminally ill senior family member who requires chronic medication, adding further strain to their already difficult situation.
Desperate and unable to fend for themselves, the Malatjie family is reaching out for help. Those who wish to offer support and ease their suffering are encouraged to step forward. This family’s struggle for basic rights and recognition is an urgent reminder of the systemic challenges faced by vulnerable communities in South Africa.
