Last Saturday's popular programme 'Iso LeKhwezi' (Khwezi's Eye) had an
episode that I think I will not forget easily.
The producer and main presenter, Blessing Sincuba, is very successful in
getting and hosting local, provincial and national politicians and government officials to
address issues that impact on the nation. Listeners are invited to phone in and some of
the exchanges can be quite - lively.
Blessing's guest last Saturday was Mr Dlamini, a high ranking official
from the provincial offices of the Home Affairs Department in the capital city,
Pietermaritzburg. The topic for discussion was identity documents, birth and marriage
certificates.
With time, I have come to know some of the most vociferous listeners who
have no qualms about letting their views be known. Mr Bhengu from Mooi River is one of
them.
In the past, Mr Bhengu's concerns have been mainly around the lack of
development in his area. This time, however, he had a different story to tell. In fact, he
had a confession to make.
As a young man when his time came to apply for an identity document
Mr Bhengu told the clerks that he was born in 1950. In the past, many Blacks, especially
in rural areas, did not have birth certificates and the date of birth was often guesswork.
Mr Bhengu knew well that he was born in 1945 but he told a deliberate lie about his age
because he wanted to delay his eligibility for tax by five years.
As sunset years approach Mr Bhengu has realised that his 'mis-speaking'
(to borrow from Mrs Clinton's terminology) has caught up with him. Slicing off five years
of his life earlier on means that his qualification for the government's old age grant
will be delayed by five years. For this part of the world that is a financial disaster.
In his response Mr Dlamini said that he had taken note of the fact that Mr
Bhengu had expressly stated that he had nobody else but himself to blame for the
predicament in which he now finds himself.
I just loved it when Mr Dlamini addressed Mr Bhengu in a reconciliatory
tone and said,
"Iqiniso liyamkhulula
umuntu."
(The truth will set you free)
With that, Mr Dlamini invited Mr Bhengu to the Home Affairs offices to
sort out the matter.
Have a blessed weekend.
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi
