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Born in SA, now facing an uncertain future in Zimbabwe
2 hrs ago |
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Children born in South Africa to undocumented migrant parents are facing an uncertain future as deportation efforts intensify, with many preparing to leave the only country they have ever known.
Among those awaiting repatriation in Musina are siblings Lorraine Ncube (18) and Lawrence Ncube (16), who were born and raised in South Africa to undocumented Zimbabwean parents but do not qualify for South African citizenship.
South African law requires every child born in the country to be registered within 30 days of birth, regardless of the parents' nationality. However, birth in South Africa does not automatically confer citizenship on children of foreign nationals.
The siblings' lives were turned upside down after their father fled when a mob allegedly chased the family from their home in Seshego, outside Polokwane, last week. Lorraine, Lawrence and their mother are now among migrants awaiting deportation to Zimbabwe.
Lorraine is also leaving with her four-month-old daughter, whose father is a South African citizen.
"He wanted me to leave the child behind, but I couldn't because it's very hard to leave my child behind," she said.
While the family has reluctantly accepted their imminent repatriation, they remain anxious about what lies ahead.
One of their biggest fears is that South African immigration authorities could classify them as undesirable persons, making it difficult for them to return legally in the future.
Lawrence also worries that he may struggle to fit into a country he has never lived in.
"I feel frustrated and humiliated because it doesn't seem like life is good there. I don't know their language. People (Zimbabweans who're here) say when we get to the border, they'll kick us off the bus and make us come back here on foot because they regard us Bapedi," he said.
The siblings' story highlights the difficult circumstances facing many children born to undocumented migrants in South Africa, who often grow up identifying with the country but remain without citizenship, leaving them vulnerable to deportation when their parents face immigration enforcement.
Among those awaiting repatriation in Musina are siblings Lorraine Ncube (18) and Lawrence Ncube (16), who were born and raised in South Africa to undocumented Zimbabwean parents but do not qualify for South African citizenship.
South African law requires every child born in the country to be registered within 30 days of birth, regardless of the parents' nationality. However, birth in South Africa does not automatically confer citizenship on children of foreign nationals.
The siblings' lives were turned upside down after their father fled when a mob allegedly chased the family from their home in Seshego, outside Polokwane, last week. Lorraine, Lawrence and their mother are now among migrants awaiting deportation to Zimbabwe.
Lorraine is also leaving with her four-month-old daughter, whose father is a South African citizen.
While the family has reluctantly accepted their imminent repatriation, they remain anxious about what lies ahead.
One of their biggest fears is that South African immigration authorities could classify them as undesirable persons, making it difficult for them to return legally in the future.
Lawrence also worries that he may struggle to fit into a country he has never lived in.
"I feel frustrated and humiliated because it doesn't seem like life is good there. I don't know their language. People (Zimbabweans who're here) say when we get to the border, they'll kick us off the bus and make us come back here on foot because they regard us Bapedi," he said.
The siblings' story highlights the difficult circumstances facing many children born to undocumented migrants in South Africa, who often grow up identifying with the country but remain without citizenship, leaving them vulnerable to deportation when their parents face immigration enforcement.
Source - eNCA
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