Question NW909 to the Minister of Home Affairs
07 October 2019 - NW909
Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1) What total number of (a) hospitals in the Republic have birth registration systems and (b) birth registration systems are fully operational; (2) What total number of births were registered in the period 01 January 2018 to 01 January 2019 (3) Whether any plans have been put in place to accommodate different cultural practices surrounding births which are often the cause of late birth registrations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- (a) 391 health facilities.
(b) 165 health facilities.
2. 810 638 births registered within the period 01 January 2018 to 01 January 2019.
3. In terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Act No.18 of 2010, parents shall within 30 days after the birth of such child, give notice thereof in the prescribed manner, and in compliance with the specified requirements. There is however provision made as follows:
- Those that fail to register birth within 30 days due to issues of culture can still register their birth through the late registration of birth process.
- The Department has an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Health (DoH) to address concerns relating to birth registrations. The Department of Health through its healthcare facilities provides a list of mothers who are discharged prior to registering birth of their new-born children. The Departments of Home Affairs officials thereafter, utilises the list for follow up and register their births as a result.
END