a) The department will never know the total number of unregistered children in the country, in each Province whether born to nationals or non-nationals. This is because the Department plays no role in the birth of children. Children are born in hospitals and at home and the Department does not conduct any censors in that regard.
The Department depends on individual parents, guardians or authorised person bringing their children for registration. Even with Home Affairs offices being opened in hospitals, it is still the responsibility of a parent to submit their child for registration.
bThe department registers birth within 30 days in terms of Birth and Death Registration Act. There are 412 frontline line offices, and 391 health facilities wherein parents, guardians or any authorised person can register birth and collect certificates on the spots. There is a plan to connect 1 445 by 2023/2024 financial year.
END