Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
With reference to media reports which create the impression that there may have been irregularities in the process by which Miss South Africa, Peggy-Sue Khumalo changed her name and date of birth, the Department of Home Affairs wishes to point out that it is within the rights of every South African citizen to apply for these amendment in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992.
Ms Khumalo applied to have her name and surname amended through the correct procedure and these amendments became legal with the publication thereof in the Government Gazette.
With reference to the uncertainty concerning Ms Khumalo's identity number, the Department can confirm that subsequent to her name change, Ms Khumalo also applied to have her date of birth amended. A temporary birth certificate bearing the new identity number has provisionally been issued to Ms Khumalo, pending the finalisation of her application. This was done in the normal spirit of accommodation of the Department when assisting members of the public who find themselves in exceptional circumstances.
The Department deals with all personal details of members of the public in the strictest confidence and will therefore not divulge any further information which could invade the privacy of Ms Khumalo.
Issued by: Uitgereik deur: Subdirectorate COMMUNICATION Subdirektoraat KOMMUNIKASIE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTEMENT VAN BINNELANDSE SAKE
PLACE/PLEK: PRETORIA DATE/DATUM: 1996/08/30