Dear Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs,

I am writing this letter to inform you about my current struggles which I am facing in obtaining my Refugee Identification Document. I sincerely hope that I may be assisted in this situation.

I am a 17 year old male from the Democratic Republic of Congo, I am currently writing my Matric examinations and I reside in Johannesburg.

Back in February 2019, My twin brother and I had applied for a Refugee ID in the Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Centre based in Pretoria. We arrived early and queued ourselves where a Home affairs official whom is in charge of the applying and collecting of Identification Documents could take us in. Although, we had to wait quite a long time for the him to assist us, he eventually came and led us in where we filled in the necessary applications. After submitting the application, we were handed reciepts which stated that we should come and get the IDs three months later.

We came back early June, excited that we will be getting our IDs which will be much help in registering for our Matric exams. Once we got there we went through the usual procedure. When it came time for us to recieve the IDs, My brother received his but I did not. I asked the officer that was handing out the IDs - why I did not receive mines. She said that they did not capture my data and that I will have to apply for another one. She further said that my second application will be put on "urgent".

After completing my second application, I was given another reciept. I returned back home feeling disappointed but also glad that my twin brother got his. I waited for another three months until I could go back to get my identification document.
I could not go in October as I began with my final matric examinations. I notice that I had a long break before I could write another examination in November so I used that opportunity to go and get my ID.

When I arrived hoping that I would finally get my ID, I was met with another disappointment. When I asked why I am not getting my ID after I had applied again. The officer simply replied "I don't know" and I had to reapply for the ID for the third time. Not only was I disappointed that I had not received my ID again but also due to the response I was told by the officer.

It is now going to 11 months since I have not received my ID after my initial applications. I have wasted more than R150 for transport and food each time I went there.

I will be a satisfied person if you may assist me in my situation. Having an ID will be significant for me as I am entering a new and more responsible life next year. I appreciate the time taken to read my letter. I am hoping for a response. Thank you.