Retention of South African citizenship is a legal process for South Africans who wish to acquire foreign citizenship while maintaining South African citizenship If they do not enter this process, South Africans put themselves at risk as themselves will lose their citizenship by acquiring another country. In order to maintain their citizenship, individuals must apply for a certificate of retention from the Department of Home Affairs before obtaining foreign citizenship. This provision ensures that their rights as South African citizens such as voting and holding a passport are protected, even after acquiring foreign citizenship.