As an advice–giver, you must be very careful when dealing with citizenship problems. If a mistake is made, it may mean that a client’s case is ruined and cannot be put right. You can help people to collect all the right proofs and documents, but you should then refer the case to a Law Clinic, or public interest law firm.

Remember to check a person’s story as far as possible in case they are using false documents to get citizenship illegally.

Ask the person the following questions:

• Are you a citizen of another country who wants to apply for South African citizenship?
• Are you a South African who has lost your citizenship?
• What was the reason for refusing to issue you with an identity document or birth certificate?