The departmental spokesperson, Siya Qoza, tells OFM News that Nthateng Maoke instituted legal action against the findings of the department that would have had her deported to Lesotho. The controversy around her citizenship follows after a complaint that was laid against her, alleging the use of a fraudulent identity document. The department confirmed this allegation to OFM News.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Manager (MM) of the municipality, Tshepiso Ramarakane, tells OFM News that the Provincial Home Affairs officials went to the municipal offices on Tuesday 10 December in search of Maoke but did not find her. Ramakarane confirmed he was aware of issues regarding her citizenship but argues that it was not within their mandate, as the municipality, to object or even comment.

The provincial home affairs spokesperson, Bonakele Mayekiso, told OFM News that they did visit the municipality to issue Maoke with a letter from the National Department following a conclusion of their investigation into her citizenship. Mayekiso also said he could not confirm nor speak to the contents of the letter directed to the mayor. 

Meanwhile, the Provincial Cooperative Governance (Cogta) Department spokesperson, Zolile Lobe, says the investigation into Maoke’s citizenship follows after complaints were raised about her ID.

He says according to information at their disposal, Home Affairs did manage to uncover that Maoke’s documentation were not in order. 

Maoke is the second government official whose citizenship has been marred by controversy. Recently the Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, weighed in on the controversy surrounding the citizenship of former Tshwane MMC for Roads and Transport, Sheila Senkubuge, saying the politician was born in the then Transkei homeland. This followed allegations that the embattled MMC was not born in the country thus her citizenship was irregular. 

OFM News