Home Affairs Urges South Africans to Restore Blocked IDs Before July 2026

The department has instructed all individuals with blocked IDs to visit any Home Affairs office and submit both written and oral representations before the deadline of 10 July 2026.

South Africans whose identity documents (IDs) were blocked before November 2022 have been given a final opportunity to regularise their status, with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) announcing a nationwide campaign aimed at assisting affected individuals and safeguarding the integrity of the National Population Register. The department has urged all individuals whose identity numbers remain blocked to submit representations before 10 July 2026, warning that failure to do so could result in the cancellation of their identity numbers once the administrative process has been completed.

Nationwide Campaign Launched to Resolve Blocked IDs

In a statement issued on Monday, the Department of Home Affairs said the campaign is designed to help individuals whose IDs were blocked prior to November 2022 and to ensure that the National Population Register remains accurate and credible.

The department explained that the initiative is being conducted in line with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) of 2000, which requires administrative bodies to provide affected persons with a fair opportunity to present their side of the matter before any adverse action is taken. According to the department, affected individuals are invited to submit representations explaining why their identity numbers should be unblocked.

The DHA emphasised that it remains committed to ensuring that all affected persons are given a fair and reasonable chance to provide evidence and explain their circumstances before any final decisions are made regarding their identity records.

Deadline Set for July 2026

The department has instructed all individuals with blocked IDs to visit any Home Affairs office and submit both written and oral representations before the deadline of 10 July 2026.

However, the DHA noted that representations cannot be submitted at refugee reception centres or through banking institutions. Individuals must personally visit a Home Affairs front office to participate in the process.

The department warned that those who fail to respond by the deadline may face the cancellation of their identity numbers after the completion of the required administrative procedures. This means that affected persons risk losing access to official identity documentation if they do not take action within the specified timeframe.

Why Were IDs Blocked?

The Department of Home Affairs explained that many identity numbers were blocked under Section 19 of the Identification Act (Act No. 68 of 1997).

Blocked IDs generally fall into categories that require further investigation or verification. These include:

• Duplicate identity records.

• Cases where an individual's citizenship or legal status needs verification.

• Situations where personal information recorded on the National Population Register appears inconsistent or requires confirmation.

The department revealed that significant progress has already been made in resolving blocked identity cases.

To date, 2,202,368 identity numbers have been successfully unblocked, allowing affected individuals to regain access to services and benefits linked to their identity documents.

Despite this progress, a substantial number of blocked IDs still require investigation and verification, prompting the latest nationwide campaign.

Personal Appearance Required

The DHA stressed that affected individuals must appear in person at a Home Affairs front office.

Officials said applicants will be required to provide both written and oral representations to support their request for their identity number to be restored.

The department indicated that personal attendance is necessary because officials may need to verify information, review supporting documents and conduct interviews as part of the investigation process.

Supporting Documents That Can Help Verify Identity

To strengthen their applications, individuals are encouraged to bring as much supporting documentation as possible when visiting a Home Affairs office.

The department listed a range of documents that may assist officials in confirming a person's identity, citizenship or legal status.

These include:

• Original birth certificates, including handwritten birth certificates.

• Original clinic cards or birth confirmation documents.

• Copies of hospital birth registers or other proof of birth.

• Parents' identity documents, reference books or death certificates.

• Primary school extracts and copies of school registers.

• House permits.

• Letters from recognised traditional authorities.

• Affidavits from parents or the original informant, accompanied by copies of the informant's identity document.

• Any other documentation that may assist in establishing identity, citizenship or legal status.

The department advised individuals to provide as many relevant records as possible to facilitate the verification process and avoid unnecessary delays.

Circumstances Under Which IDs May Be Cancelled

As part of its investigations, the Department of Home Affairs will assess whether identity documents and records were lawfully issued and whether the information contained in them is accurate.

The department warned that identity documents or records may be cancelled if investigations reveal that they:

• Were issued to individuals who do not qualify to be included in the National Population Register.

• Contain incorrect personal details or inaccurate information.

• Were obtained through fraud, false statements or misrepresentation.

• Were acquired using incorrect or misleading information.

• Have been forged, altered, stolen or unlawfully manipulated.

• Belong to individuals who fail to appear in person and provide the required supporting documentation.

The DHA said these measures are necessary to protect the integrity of South Africa's identity management system and prevent abuse of official records.

Importance of the National Population Register

The National Population Register serves as the foundation of South Africa's identity management system and is used to verify citizenship, issue identity documents, process passports and administer various government services.

Maintaining the accuracy of the register is critical for national security, service delivery and the protection of citizens' rights.

The department's efforts to resolve blocked IDs form part of broader initiatives aimed at ensuring that only eligible individuals are recorded in the system and that all personal records are accurate and legally valid.