Loss Of Citizenship Campaign

Timeline of the case so far:

2014 to 2018

The DA Abroad gets approached by multiple people who unknowingly lost their citizenship after trying to register to vote.
Over the next few years, the issue is escalated within DA structures, and official communication is established with the Minister through Parliament to resolve the problem.
Eventually, the DA  Abroad realises there is no other option but to go to court over the issue.

July 2018

The Democratic Alliance launches its challenge to section 6(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act of 1995 in the North Gauteng High Court.

August 2021

The North Gauteng High Court rejects the DA’s challenge.

December 2021

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) accepts the DA’s application for leave to appeal to it.

June 2023

The SCA rules that section 6(1)(a) is constitutionally invalid, concluding that anyone who has lost their South African citizenship after obtaining a foreign citizenship, is in fact still a South African citizen. It is then put to the Constitutional Court, which needs to ratify the verdict.

September 2024

The DA Abroad publishes a statement on the progress of the case, including the steps it has prepared for when the Constitutional Court ratifies the SCA’s verdict.







Latest News on the Citizenship Campaign

  • Press Release

    DA Abroad pushes for swift restoration of South African citizenship after landmark court victory

  • FAQs

    The DA’s recent court win on retention of citizenship and what it means for you

  • Press Release

    DA celebrates striking down of apartheid-era loss of citizenship law