Living in the Shadows: The Struggle of South Africa Stateless People Arnold Ncube

He breathes, but he doesn't exist on paper. For 25-year-oldArnold Ncube, life in South Africa is a constant battle against invisibility. Without a birth certificate, he can't open a bank account, apply for a formal job, or complete his education. According to the BBC, Ncube is one of at least 10,000 stateless people living in the country who are struggling to prove their nationality.

South Africa Stateless People: The Shadow Life of Arnold Ncube

Ncube earns a meager living washing cars in the backstreets of Thembisa township near Johannesburg. Despite being born in the city to a South African father, he was left abandoned by his parents. His father left before he was born, and his mother when he was 14. When he tried to register for secondary school, the lack of a birth certificate brought his world to a standstill.

Human rights lawyer Christy Chitengu, who was once stateless herself, only gained citizenship three years ago with the help of Lawyers for Human Rights. She argues that citizenship is not a reward but a fundamental entitlement for a dignified life. Her case highlights the administrative barriers and poor record-keeping that trap thousands in legal limbo.

A Global Crisis of Invisibility

Statelessness is a massive global issue, affecting an estimated 4.5 million to 15 million people worldwide. Jesus Perez Sanchez from the UNHCR emphasizes that addressing this is a matter of economic and social inclusion, allowing those on the margins to contribute fully to society.