Investigating the Role of Identity Documents in Refugees’ Access to Education in South Africa

Authors

Elvis Munyoka, University of South AustraliaFollow

Abstract

This article examined the role of identity documentation in refugees’ access to education in South Africa. Identity documentation has become a necessity in modern societies. Proof of identity is required to demonstrate who one is, and to gain access to various government services such as health care, employment, and 􀏐inancial assistance. However, the role of identity documents in refugees’ access to education in South Africa has received less attention. Few studies have demonstrated that without identity documents, refugees confront multiple barriers to accessing primary and secondary education in South Africa. This article reviewed available studies and recent literature on the role of identity documents in accessing education and revealed that refugees struggle to enrol in academic institutions and are denied access to basic education due to a lack of identity documents, which has serious consequences for their access to employment and livelihood opportunities in future. This article suggests that the South African government must expedite the processing of identity documents for refugees and asylum seekers to ensure that humanitarian immigrants have access to services in the country.

Recommended Citation

Munyoka, Elvis (2023) "Investigating the Role of Identity Documents in Refugees’ Access to Education in South Africa," Southern African Journal of Policy and Development: Vol. 7: No. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/sajpd/vol7/iss1/3