Johannesburg – Amidst the recent controversy surrounding the Miss SA pageant, the South African Department of Home Affairs has clarified the stringent criteria for obtaining citizenship by birth.
Contrary to popular belief, being born on South African soil does not automatically grant one citizenship. Instead, the law adheres to a principle of “bloodline” citizenship, meaning at least one parent must be a South African citizen or permanent resident at the time of the child’s birth.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza, emphasized this point during a recent radio interview. “We say by blood it solely means you are born in that country, and then you become a citizen,” he clarified. “This principle ensures that children inherit their nationality from their parents.”
Nzuza further explained that even if one parent is a foreign national, as long as the other is a South African citizen or permanent resident, their child qualifies for citizenship. This differs significantly from countries like the United States, which follows a birthright citizenship policy.
To curb fraudulent citizenship claims, the department has implemented robust verification processes, including DNA testing. The public is encouraged to report suspected cases of citizenship fraud under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
In cases of proven fraudulent acquisition, the department has the power to revoke citizenship not only for the individual but also for their descendants.
While children born to permanent residents in South Africa are entitled to permanent residency status, adoption by a South African citizen can also lead to citizenship acquisition.
The Deputy Minister stressed that the department has not received specific requests for verification related to the Miss SA controversy but is prepared to investigate any formal complaints lodged through official channels.
