The Chief Whip of the IFP, Mr Koos van der Merwe MP, has today received a letter from the Department of Home Affairs informing him that the unabridged birth certificates, for which application was made 11 months ago, have now been issued and are available for collection.

Mr Van der Merwe said: "It remains no less than scandalous service delivery to have waited 11 months for the issue of these simple certificates. The prejudice and even damages suffered by 34 innocent minors remain a reality."

"I am not withdrawing my complaint to the Public Protector and President Mbeki as the time has arrived for Government Departments to realise that they are constitutionally obliged to serve the citizens of this country. My request for disciplinary action stands and will hopefully serve as a warning to other state departments to carry out their constitutional obligations."