Transforming Futures: Smart ID Card Initiative in Kwa-Thema Empowers Youth
By: Africazine
In a powerful move aimed at shaping the futures of local youth, the Kwa-Thema Centre was buzzing with activity on July 17, as the community came together for a groundbreaking Smart ID card initiative. Spearheaded by the Mqoqiwokuhle (Mqoqi) NPO in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, this initiative is primarily focused on supporting young people, especially those finishing their matric exams, who require identity documents for their academic and career journeys.
At the helm of this initiative is Prisca Nkosi, the dedicated Chairperson of Mqoqi NPO and a stalwart member of the Kwa-Thema community. Her journey began in 2022 when she reached out to Home Affairs, advocating for mobile services to assist residents. She recounts, “In 2023, I was included in a program and suggested we begin by helping the elderly, who often find it challenging to travel. We successfully assisted around 250 elderly residents by June 2023.”
The initiative has since expanded its reach. In 2024, Nkosi re-energized the program, emphasizing the need for young people without identification. “We’re focusing particularly on matric learners who need IDs, but we also welcome all youth to participate,” she stated.
Initially aimed at assisting 50 young individuals, the recent campaign met an overwhelming demand, prompting Nkosi to strategize for future outreach efforts. “The Home Affairs mobile truck came, and we surpassed our initial target. We’re aiming to arrange for the truck to visit at least three or four times a month moving forward,” she shared enthusiastically. Upcoming events will also provide free IDs to pensioners, underscoring their commitment to community upliftment.
Moreover, Nkosi is calling on government authorities to acknowledge and support community organizations like Mqoqi. “If government officials recognize the challenges we face as South Africans, they will understand the needs of orphaned children and disabled individuals who struggle to access services. We aim to reach these individuals directly, offering assistance at their doorsteps,” she noted.
Encouraging community participation, Jack Mokgakgabe, Treasurer of the Mqoqi project, highlighted the collective effort required to bolster these initiatives. “We are here to help the community obtain their IDs. People are welcome to volunteer with Mqoqi so we can extend our reach even further,” he said.
For those applying for Smart IDs for the first time, it’s vital to bring original documents—parents must be present with their own Smart ID card and the child’s birth certificate. Pensioners are asked to carry their green barcoded ID book, while returning applicants are required to submit R140, as Home Affairs does not accept cash payments.
Despite the remarkable progress, Nkosi emphasized that local councillors could offer more support. “It would greatly benefit the community if councillors actively engaged and monitored our programs, especially when we are helping young people who will one day cast their votes for them,” she stated.
As Mqoqiwokuhle NPO forges ahead with its mission in Kwa-Thema and Langaville, the Smart ID drive is more than just a way to obtain essential documents; it embodies hope, dignity, and a commitment to community-based solutions. The collective enthusiasm around this initiative serves as a reminder of the impactful change that grassroots organizations can inspire.
Stay tuned to Africazine for more inspiring stories of community-led transformation!
Tags: #SouthAfrica #Lifestyle #Community #Empowerment #WorldNews
