Globalisation results in more and more people migrating annually and ultimately qualifying for multiple citizenships. Some countries are extremely strict as far as the admissibility of dual citizenship regarding their citizens is concerned, for example Zimbabwe and Germany (two contrasting poles on the scale of democracy).

South Africa however allows multiple citizenship. People for example qualify for South African citizenship based on origin, birth (not under all circumstances, the status of the parents plays a decisive role) and naturalisation. When a South African citizen would like to accept another country’s citizenship, it is of the utmost importance that he/she should first apply for the retention of South African citizenship and receive such permission concerning retention, before applying for another citizenship. If permission is not received beforehand, it is possible that such a South African might lose his/her South African citizenship.

Drawn-out arguments are conducted about this, organisations threaten with legal action and try to prove that South African citizenship legislation is unconstitutional in this instance, but while no test case about this has been in the courts, legislation still applies and South Africans must therefore keep it in mind if they don’t want to lose their South African citizenship.

A further requirement that applies, is that a South African citizen who has dual or multiple citizenships must always ensure that his/her South African passport remains valid, and when travelling to South Africa, the South African passport be used without exception to enter as well as to depart from the country.

Enquiries regarding citizenship issues can be sent to Worldwide at wereldwyd@afriforum.co.za.