South African citizens have certain rights that people who are not citizens do not have. For example, the right to:vote, be given a South African passport, come into South Africa after living somewhere else.
An Identity Document is an official document used to identify yourself. Every country needs to be able to identify its citizens. Private and public institutions also need proof that you are who you say you are (for example, for banking and to vote).
If you need information from Home Affairs, you can contact the Home Affairs Hotline on 0800 60 11 90.
The Department of Home Affairs has telephone hotlines to assist people who need more information about Immigration or who have questions about the Immigration Act, 2002.