Many people don’t think about their birth certificates. For some, like Arnold Ncube, not having one has made life incredibly difficult. Arnold, a 25-year-old from Thembisa, South Africa, is among millions worldwide who are stateless. Born in Johannesburg, he has lived without the documents that prove his citizenship. This has limited his opportunities and left him feeling invisible.
Arnold’s struggles began when he tried to enroll in school. He realized he didn’t have a birth certificate or proof of citizenship. Abandoned by both parents, Arnold couldn’t establish his status. Without documents, he washes cars for a living, unable to find better job opportunities. He describes his situation sharply: “It’s painful. You’re basically invisible. You can’t apply for a decent job. You can’t even open a bank account.”
He isn’t alone. An estimated 10,000 people in South Africa struggle with statelessness. Organizations like the UNHCR have pointed out that issues like poor record-keeping and administrative barriers make it hard to give these individuals proper identification. Without citizenship, people like Arnold can’t access basic services such as healthcare or education.
Christy Chitengu, a human rights lawyer, knows this plight firsthand. She was stateless until just three years ago. Born in Johannesburg to Zimbabwean parents, she received only a handwritten birth certificate at birth. By the time she found out about her status at 17, it was too late to claim her parents’ nationality. Christy argues that citizenship should be viewed as a human right, not just a privilege. She believes it’s essential for people to live with dignity and contribute to society.
The issue of statelessness is a global challenge. Around 4.5 million people worldwide are affected, with some estimates putting the number as high as 15 million. Experts call for policy changes to help tackle this issue, such as allowing refugees to register their children or granting mothers the right to pass nationality to their kids.
Despite these obstacles, Arnold remains hopeful. He’s working with a lawyer to secure the documents that will prove he belongs in South Africa. His dream is to go back to school and study computer science. “It’s tough,” he admits, “but I’m trying to stay positive.”
The lack of official response from South Africa’s home affairs department on this pressing issue raises questions about how the government plans to address statelessness. The need for bold actions is clear—not just in South Africa but worldwide. Addressing statelessness can lead to better lives for many and allow them to contribute fully to their communities and economies.
For more information on the rights of stateless individuals, you can visit the UNHCR’s website here.
