If you are given a DHA-19 handwritten birth certificate, you must go to the Zimbabwean consulate to apply for a Zimbabwean birth certificate too! This is because you are a citizen of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe keeps a record of its citizens whether they live in the country or not. It also means that they can give you a Zimbabwean ID card and passport. 6 Why is birth registration in South Africa so important? As a child, your parents must register your birth no later than 30 days after you were born. This is important to help you get a valid passport and permit. The law in South Africa says that every person who is not a South African citizen must have a valid passport and permit which allows you to be in South Africa, whether to study, work or even to be on holiday. Your DHA-19 handwritten birth certificate is not a permit. Your parents will still need to apply for a passport and a permit for you once they have your DHA-19 handwritten birth certificate. If you only have a DHA-19 handwritten birth certificate, without a passport and a permit, it is likely that you will face problems when trying to access schools, hospitals or other basic services. If your birth is not yet registered, you can ask an adult to help you to apply for a birth certificate. If you were born in South Africa, your nearest Home Affairs office will help you to apply for “late registration of birth” or “LRB”. 5