Stellenbosch – Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber has handed over the first Smart ID that records a Khoi-San traditional name, following the latest upgrades to departmental IT systems.
During the handover on Thursday, 26 February 2026, the minister revealed that the ID was produced by the Department of Home Affairs and Government Printing Works.
A month ago, Minister Schreiber was informed that !Khūboab Oedasoua Lawrence was unable to obtain a Smart ID reflecting his Khoi-San first name.
“According to reports, his family had the same problem over 18 years ago when they were similarly unable to obtain a birth certificate that accurately reflects the spelling of his first name,” the Department of Home Affairs stated.
Following the intervention of Minister Schreiber, the department prioritised the matter and managed to identify the root of the problem as a technical IT limitation related to the use of so-called “special characters”.
“In less than four weeks, the necessary upgrades were implemented, and the limitation is now resolved,” the department said.
As a result, for the first time in South African history, birth certificates, Smart IDs and Passports are now able to recognise and record Khoi-San traditional names.
Following the focused work to correct this long-standing injustice, Minister Schreiber handed over !Khūboab’s Smart ID to him in Stellenbosch, where he is a student, as the first recipient of an enabling document recognising a Khoi-San traditional name.
Minister Schreiber said: “This is a historic step forward to enhance the inclusion and dignity of Khoi-San communities in South Africa.
“As Minister, I recognise that a name is more than a practicality – it is central to every person’s identity.
“I am therefore very proud that we were able to correct this long-standing problem within record time after becoming aware of it.”
Minister Schreiber added: “South Africa’s national motto uses these same characters when it implores: !ke e: /xarra //ke, literally meaning ‘diverse people unite’.
“For the first time, this motto has now found expression at Home Affairs for the Khoi-San community.
“This reform offers the latest powerful demonstration of how our reform drive towards digital transformation is delivering dignity for all.”
