MUKHONDI Khumela, who was unable to continue his studies because he didn't have a birth certificate, can now breathes a sigh of relief.
Mukondi (20) from Tshikonelo in Malamulele, Limpopo, fought for years to obtain this important document.
Not having a birth certificate has denied him access to numerous opportunities, even though he obtained a bachelor's pass at Alfred Ngwedzeni Secondary School in 2022.
On Friday 15 March, Mukondi received a call from Home Affairs asking him to collect his birth certificate. This followed a recent article published in Daily Sun about his difficulties obtaining a birth certificate.
He told the People's Paper that he was on the verge of losing hope after years of unsuccessfully trying to contact Home Affairs with his mum.
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"I can't express how happy I am that I finally received my birth certificate. I'll be able to apply for my ID. Now that I have this long-awaited piece of paper in my hands, a new chapter in my life begins, all thanks to Daily Sun," he said.
Mukondi was raised by his mum, Dorris Milazi, who is originally from Zimbabwe, and his biological dad, Tshililo Khumela. His parents separated when he was one year old.
During this time, his mum tried unsuccessfully to obtain a birth certificate for him.
He said after obtaining his ID, he would like to apply for Bachelor of Education studies at the University of Limpopo. Mukondi has been helping local Grade 12 pupils in subjects such as economics and agricultural sciences to earn a living.
Dorris said she was still in disbelief that Mukhondi has finally received his birth certificate.
"It was painful for me to see his future hanging in the balance. Now that he has the birth certificate, it's a green light for his future," she said.
Daily Sun sent a detailed media enquiry to Home Affairs spokesman Siya Qoza on 12 December 2023.
Instead of answering the query on 27 December, he asked for Mukondi's phone number.
The SunTeam then followed up in January, February and recently, but to no avail.
