Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
The ID laws of South Africa are set for a major review in the weeks ahead, as the Department of Home Affairs continues to mull over the Official Identity Management Policy. There are just two weeks left for the public to make submissions for the bill, and gender activists are pleading for their fellow citizens to register their opinions.
Iranti, the Human Rights Group with a specialist interest in LGBTQI+ policy, has been on something of a media blitz through February. In a recently issued statement, they have presented their case for introducing ‘more options’ on official gender ID forms, to better reflect the trans and non-binary communities of South Africa.
A third gender for South Africans?
Should their campaign be successful, and the Official Identity Management Policy gets signed into law, a ‘third gender’ – separate from either male or female – will be introduced to all major identification documents in the country: Something Iranti has branded a ‘positive starting point.’
“It is important to consider the impact of these changes on our communities: Your inputs will give us the mandate to advocate for specific amendments, within the broad proposal. With your help, we can make sure that any changes to the current system carry the broadest possible benefit to trans, gender-diverse, and intersex South Africans.”
‘A good start’
However, one small step for trans isn’t quite a giant leap for trans-kind. Sibusiso Kheswa, a programme specialist for Iranti, told Cape Talk on Friday that there is still an issue with the phrasing of the proposed legislation: They told the broadcaster that there needs to be a stronger distinction between ‘a third gender’ and ‘a third sex’.
“Overall, we are supportive of this initiative to create more security for EVERY citizen. But we are still concerned by some issues raised here. It’s a lot further beyond being able [to put this into one additional box].”
“The policy is talking about creating ‘a third sex’. We are opposed to that. Gender is a spectrum of identities… Now, with the Department of Home Affairs acknowledging the existence of intersex, non-binary and transgender people, it makes room for… randomised numbers [instead of coded ID documents indicating gender].
- – The full draft policy can be viewed here.
- – South African citizens have until 28 February to make written submissions.
- – It’s advised that any feedback is emailed to oimpolicy@dha.gov.za.
