Question NW1141 to the Minister of Home Affairs
02 June 2021 - NW1141
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
With reference to the reply by the Minister of Basic Education to question 875 on 13 April 2021, what (a) is the total number of unregistered children in each province born to (i) citizens of the Republic and (ii) foreign nationals in each year from 2013 to 2020 and (b) measures has his department put in place to ensure registration of new-born babies?
Reply:
a) The department will never know the total number of unregistered children in the country, in each Province whether born to nationals or non-nationals. This is because the Department plays no role in the birth of children. Children are born in hospitals and at home and the Department does not conduct any censors in that regard.
The Department depends on individual parents, guardians or authorised person bringing their children for registration. Even with Home Affairs offices being opened in hospitals, it is still the responsibility of a parent to submit their child for registration.
bThe department registers birth within 30 days in terms of Birth and Death Registration Act. There are 412 frontline line offices, and 391 health facilities wherein parents, guardians or any authorised person can register birth and collect certificates on the spots. There is a plan to connect 1 445 by 2023/2024 financial year.
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