Travel to farms to assist workers
May 14 2008 12:42:32:563PM  - (SA)  
Papi Tshabalala

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Recently these stakeholders held a one-day registration campaign at the Kouberg Farm just outside the Golden Gate Hotel.

Mondli Mvambi, communications manager for the Department of Social Development, said farm residents have little knowledge about basic services government is providing.

“We saw it proper to visit farm residents during this 14 years celebrating democracy. This democracy will mean nothing if it does not cater for poor people. Farm residents have to travel to neighbouring towns for such services,” he said.

Eli Sigasa, Sassa district manager, added that poverty was rife among farm dwellers.

“They earn very little and through the campaign we help them to apply for social grants, pension funds and social relief and other grants,” said Sigasa.

Kgantshi Mofokeng, a worker at the Spasbona farm, was very disappointed after he was told that he cannot apply for late birth certificates for his three children.

Home Affairs officials turned down his application despite him having all three of his children’s clinic cards.

“My wife and I separated long ago, and I was told to get my wife’s ID, however she and I are not on good terms,” said an unhappy Mofokeng.

Mapitso Lenela from Clarens told Express Qwaqwa that she arrived in South Africa from Lesotho in 1994.

She said she had been trying to apply for South African citizenship, but without success.

“They told me that I cannot get an ID before I get married to a South African. I do not want marriage. All I need, is South African citizenship,” she said.

Abram Mokoena of the Golden Gate farm did not experience any difficulties when applying for his ID and was happy.

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