5 Calls: Have you recently experienced government efficiency?
During our 5 Calls segment, Rian touched on government efficiency after a couple being arrested at the Abu Dhabi airport after a doctor confirmed the couple's pregnancy while being unmarried.
For one South African mother, 2017 has been somewhat eventful. Her son and his fiancée have been arrested and jailed since the end of January - because they are expecting a baby. Being unmarried‚ the couple had transgressed the United Arab Emirates’ morality laws.
Emlyn Culverwell‚ 29‚ from SA‚ and his fiancée‚ 27-year-old Iryna Nohai world shattered when Nohai complained of stomach cramps. Naturally, concerned for his fiancée’s well-being‚ Culverwell took her to the Medeor Medical Centre in Yas Mall for a check-up. The doctor then confirmed the pregnancy.
Knowing the implications in a Muslim country‚ Culverwell called his employer who arrived at the hospital the same time as the UAE authorities. Then are there the couple were arrested when they could not provide a marriage certificate.
Do you think this is fair? Is the country being efficient in abiding by its laws or is this taking it too far?
Have you experienced such efficiency from the South African government before? Vote in our poll below.
Many comments were posted on our Facebook page. Jenny Freeman said "Edenvale Home affairs- ID card- excellent service. Even better- wait for it- SASSA! applied at De Villiers street, granted had all my necessary papers verified and stamped; arrived at 7.30am, left with my Sassa card, pension granted , within 2 hours. Got first payout 1 March! As a pensioner, shown the greatest respect- very impressed!"
"I must also commend Centurion home affairs received my passport in less than 2 weeks - and it was a first time application," commented Darita Roberts-Baxter.
Take a listen to what a few listeners had to say on this issue.