A YOUNG man's dream of becoming a sound engineer has been put on hold because he does not have an identity document.

Thokozani Dube said he applied for an ID three years ago but to date had not received it.

"I applied for an ID on July 14 2006. I never went to collect it until I needed it for my matric examinations.

"When I went to collect it I was told that a 'Thokozani Dube had already collected it," he said.

He said officials at Home Affairs told him that this was a duplication case and promised to investigate.

"The department has been sending me from pillar to post," Dube said.

"I have always wanted to become a sound engineer. Now I cannot fulfill my dream because I don't have an ID. My life has been put on hold. I cannot study further or apply for a job."

Dube matriculated at Mondeor High School in Johannesburg in 2007.

Dube, who turns 21 next month, said: "Getting an ID will be the beginning of my life. I will be able to do all the things I have always wanted to do. My life has been hell."

Home Affairs media relations manager Cleo Mosana said the same ID was allocated to two people with the same name and surname. The other applicant was subsequently advised to apply for late registration of birth, which will enable him get a different ID book.

"The resolution of the case is in the final stages and a new ID number will be allocated to the Thokozani Dube in question."