Assuming a new surname

I'm obsessive. I need to know everything about a topic before i pursue it. I do my research, before i put action to plan.

I need to change my surname. A month ago I started researching the process. I got all the necessary information on Home Affairs website.

Once I had my ducks in a row, got my financials in order and the knowledge concerning the process, I went to the office in Bellville, Cape Town.

After queuing for roughly 5 hours (most of this standing), I eventually got inside of the humid and poorly ventilated building.

There is ONE staff member assigned to the information desk and to see her took an hour. When my turn eventually came, I excitedly & enthusiastically glided across to the counter to be greeted by a nonchalant, uninterested, if not rude, woman by the name of "Rosemary Nathan". After all those hours, it would have been such a pleasure speaking to a cheerful person, but ALAS. Our conversation lasted no longer than 10 minutes.

Ms. Nathan advised that in order to assume a new surname, I will need somebody who has the name I want changing to, to write an affidavit allowing me permission to use the name and a certified copy of their ID should be brought with on my next visit. I told her that I do not know anyone with the name I had chosen. Guess what she told me... I'm sure you can track someone down with that name. Check on Facebook, ask random people, place an ad. Be innovative". I nearly broke down!

Can anyone imagine trolling the streets in search of someone with this name. Who on earth would do that? I'm pretty sure that if I should take her advice, someone will call the cops because that is shady behavior!

In today's age, people are busy, skeptical and afraid! I can almost guarantee that if in the unlikely event I found someone with the name I want, that he/she will NOT be willing to take the time out of their day to accompany a stranger to get an affidavit & provide a copy of their ID. Just saying this out loud sounds like madness. I know I wouldn't do it, because who can we really trust?

An excerpt of the information I found on the Department of Home Affairs website... Assuming a different surname (section 26 of Births & Deaths Registration Act,1992) "no major may assume another surname unless such change of surname has been approved by the Director-General of Home Affairs and has been published in the Government Gazette. Applications in this regard may be lodged at any domestic Home Affairs office. Applications must be on a duly completed Form BI-196 and a good and sufficient reason, in writing, for the change must be furnished"

The website was updated this year. The bottom of the page has 2018 detailed.